The influential San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce threw its support Thursday behind the Chargers‘ plan for a combination stadium and convention center near Petco Park.
“The San Diego Regional Chamber supports the pursuit of a viable alternative for the development of a multi-use sports complex and convention center that would continue the revitalization of downtown,” said chamber President Jerry Sanders, a former mayor.
The chamber’s board voted in support of evaluating a plan for a non-contiguous expansion of the San Diego Convention Center and a multi-use sports complex while also maintaining support for a contiguous expansion.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Tuesday the Chargers want San Diego voters to raise taxes on hotel stays to pay for a $1.8 billion combination stadium and convention center.
Quoting sources, the newspaper said the team will propose an increase in the tax paid by visitors from 12.5 percent to 16.5 percent to finance the project.
The plan would be presented to voters during the presidential general election in November.
The city has proposed renovating Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley with financing from a bond issue, but the Chargers have been adamant that they prefer a downtown location.
The San Diego chamber is the largest local business organization on the West Coast, representing more than 2,500 businesses.
