SAN DIEGO >> So we think we’ve got stadium problems in Hawaii.
Well, yeah, we do.
But there’s plenty of company for the miserable to love.
Take Qualcomm Stadium. “Please do,” say many here in San Diego —mostly because it’s nearly as ancient as the earliest versions of that joke.
The site of today’s game between the University of Hawaii and San Diego State and home of the Chargers opened in 1967.
“(Qualcomm is) just too old,” says Cole Raley, a 20-year-old assistant manager of a soccer goods store on Murphy Canyon Road, less than a mile from the San Diego Chargers offices and just a couple from the stadium itself. “The idea about demolishing Qualcomm and building a smaller stadium there for San Diego State is good.”
In Hawaii, the political football keeps getting kicked down the road regarding Aloha Stadium.
But the fate of the facility originally known as Jack Murphy Stadium that was once Super Bowl-worthy could be decided during Tuesday’s elections.
Or not. Many here say probably not.
A “yes” vote on Ballot Measure C calls for building a $1.8 billion stadium and convention center in downtown San Diego. A big part of funding would come from increasing taxes on visitor spending.
Sound kind of familiar?
Similar ideas have been tossed around to fund a new stadium in Hawaii, but no one has the political clout or will to get something like that close to being put on a ballot in the islands.
And, of course, the situation is different in San Diego because we’re talking about the implied threat of the Chargers packing up and moving — which came pretty close to happening this year.
Hawaii doesn’t have an NFL team to lose, but we can say with certainty the condition of 42-year-old Aloha Stadium factored heavily into the Pro Bowl’s departure for Orlando.
Of course, getting something on a ballot and having it pass are two very different things.
San Diego County’s Measure C requires two-thirds approval from city voters. Despite heavy campaigning by the Chargers and powerful supporters, there’s not a lot of optimism it will pass.
If it doesn’t, the Chargers could end up making that move up the road to Los Angeles.
Another option, Ballot Measure D, could also eventually result in the Aztecs playing at a stadium more appropriately sized for the crowds they draw if Qualcomm gets the wrecking ball. A version of that idea has San Diego State also getting a satellite campus in Mission Valley.
Raley, who enjoys San Diego State football almost as much as the Chargers, likes both ideas. But he lacks confidence in them coming to fruition.
People are opposed for various reasons. The hotel industry doesn’t like the added tax. Many folks, especially those who aren’t sports fans, question the priorities and are skeptical about cost overruns, especially since the city is still paying for renovations to Qualcomm in 1997. Some don’t trust the Chargers ownership.
Then there’s the mediocrity of the team’s on-field performance. The Chargers are 3-5, were 4-12 last year and are 49-55 since their last double-digit win season, 13-3 in 2009.
Also, there’s lots of other things to do in San Diego.
“We’re a touristy town with fair-weather fans,” Raley said.
Hmmm … that rings a bell, too.
“I think we should do it,” Raley continued. “A new stadium could also attract an MLS team. That would be obviously beneficial to (his family’s soccer store business).”
Ryan Le, who works at a nearby restaurant, isn’t so sure.
“It seems like a lot of people want it, but I could go either way. For the people I know, it’s almost 50-50,” he said. “I like football, but I’m not a Chargers fan at all and it wouldn’t matter to me if they leave. For our business I don’t think it would make a difference. Mainly it just increases traffic.”
Traffic … San Diego and Hawaii sure do have a lot in common.
Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads
