San Diego MLS Stadium – design description

The proposed stadium for new MLS franchise in San Diego would stand on the site currently occupied by Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley. The grand stadium became obsolete after Chargers had left for Los Angeles in January 2017.

A group of investors wants to buy all of the stadium and its surrounding lots, a total of 166 acres (67 hectares) and build a major mixed-use complex worth some $1 billion. A fifth of that price would be consumed by MLS-specific stadium able to hold 30,000 people. The building would have a distinctive layout with horseshoe stands and two pavilions enclosing the south end.

The stadium would be financed privately, with half of the funds coming from MLS investors and the other half from San Diego State University. The university’s team Aztecs would become second tenant while up to 800 students would live within the complex. After five years the MLS ownership would transfer their 50% of stadium shares, making the stadium entirely owned by SDSU.