Backers Behind Competing Plans For Qualcomm Stadium Spend Millions On Campaigns
The future of the former Qualcomm Stadium, once home to the Chargers and now the center of warring factions intent on different plans for the site, has become an expensive proposition.
New campaign finance statements covering April through June show just how expensive by tracking cash contributions. Those behind SoccerCity raised $1.27M in cash donations and spent $1.25M during the quarter, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. SDSU West, the other campaign, raised $199,210 in cash during the quarter and spent $179,380.
The proposals are set to go on the ballot in November.
SoccerCity and SDSU West have competing plans for redeveloping the 166-acre Mission Valley site. While each includes a sports stadium, housing and commercial space, SoccerCity's proposal includes a 23,500-seat professional soccer stadium, while SDSU West includes a 35,000-seat college football stadium.
San Diego has argued against both plans being put on the ballot, asserting that the initiatives force the city's hand to make either a lease or sale of its property. While court rulings determined the two proposals could be put on the ballot, the city council has voted to appeal those decisions.
Much of the money spent by those behind the proposals has been on television ads, digital strategy efforts and production costs.
So far this year, the SoccerCity campaign has raised $1.53M. Including last year, the group has raised $4.49M and spent $4.54M, the SDUT reports. SDSU West's total donations for this year and last have reached $1.82M and it has spent $1.83M.
Developers H.G. Fenton and Sudberry Properties also have been supporting efforts to halt SoccerCity through the “No on Soccer City” campaign, collecting $2.24M since last year and spending $2.23M in opposition to SoccerCity.
