NFL Football Stadium is Coming to L.A. County

Raiders and Chargers fans marched inside the Carson City Hall to show support for an NFL stadium which will be the home of both franchises on April 21, 2015. Photo: Pablo Unzueta

Carson City Council gives green light for new stadium

After a public announcement two months ago, the Carson City Council unanimously approved the $1.7 billion privately financed project that will be the home of possibly both, the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders organization. Carson mayor Albert Robles said, “Football will be coming to Carson.”

Fans erupted inside the cramped city hall chamber after a 3–0 vote. Raiders fans chanted, “Bring them back! Bring them back! Bring them back!”

There hasn’t been an NFL team in Los Angeles for nearly two-decades. The Raiders, who played in the Coliseum, were the last team.

Carson, Calif. During a tailgate party and rally in support of the project to house two NFL teams, fans chanted, “We want football! We want football!” Raiders and Chargers fans marched into the Carson City Hall on April 21, 2015. Photo: Pablo Unzueta

The Inglewood project has also spiked support of local residents, with financial backing by billionaire and St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke. Both stadiums have approval which will benefit the local economy creating an estimate of 16,000 jobs combined.

The Carson project collected over 30,000 signatures for a ballot initiative pledging that tax dollars will not be used. The 70,000 seated stadium is projected to be sited next to the 405 freeway. Carson City members have overlooked the environmental reviews, however. The investment will be led by Goldman Sachs which will account about half of the cost.

Officials from the City of Carson said there is much more to be negotiated with developers in the coming months, but Tuesday night’s vote has increased the process with the first step.

Concerns about construction noise and parking structures were reported by a city-funded proposal for consideration. The report also concluded that the City of Carson’s budget could compromise about $1 million in housing funds. Furthermore, an official construction design has not yet been provided by developers to the City of Carson.

“This is our children’s children future to bring something positive with a beneficial investment,” said Councilman Elito Santarina.

“The city of Los Angeles needs this. We are aware of the circumstances, now we are ready for some football,” said Lavell Morris, a Raiders fan.

Football fans celebrated all day with tailgating in hopes of bringing football back to Los Angeles.