The San Diego Chargers have “quietly” been negotiating with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as an interim home during a possible move to L.A., according to the Los Angeles Times.
“The Rose Bowl bowed out of the interim stadium derby, but the Coliseum is still in play,” said reporter Sam Farmer. “The NFL shouldn’t have much trouble striking a deal there, as the Chargers quietly got far down the road in negotiations with that venue last year.”
The move signifies that the team has had plans for moving to L.A. earlier than they have stated.
Matt Awbrey, a spokesman for Mayor Kevin Faulconer, is displeased to hear of the news, according to Voice of San Diego.
“Unfortunately this is another example that reveals the team was strategizing a move to LA much earlier than anyone was aware of, including local leaders and the San Diego public,” Awbrey said.
The NFL is continuing to look for temporary homes for teams that would relocate to L.A., so that they don’t have to play in a city that they are eventually leaving while their new stadium is being built.
Other possible venues that could be used temporarily are Dodger Stadium, StubHub Center and Angels Stadium.
