San Diego Stadium

San Diego Stadium, San Diego

The fate of San Diego Stadium in Mission Valley remains in limbo, as San Diego State University and the City attempt to agree on the terms and sale price of the huge site that includes this historic sports arena. Designed by the San Diego firm of Frank L. Hope Associates and opened in 1967, the stadium embodied innovative technology in the sports-viewing world at the time, featuring pre-cast concrete walls, optimal sight lines, and iconic spiral pedestrian ramps. It was initially home to the San Diego Chargers, the Padres, and the San Diego State Aztecs football team, and considered one of the best multi-use stadiums in the United States. In 1969, it earned an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Outstanding Design, the first ever awarded to a sports stadium in the U.S. This Brutalist style mid-century marvel is now one of the last of its kind in the nation.

In early August 2019, SDSU released a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed redevelopment of the site, calling for the demolition of San Diego Stadium and its replacement with a new, smaller 35,000-seat venue. SDSU's costly and impractical plan would not only destroy a historically significant and valuable public resource, it would severely harm the environment. We could keep thousands of tons of concrete, asphalt and toxic debris out of our landfill by preserving and renovating the historic stadium. If it was altered to costly NFL specifications to qualify to host a Super Bowl game, it can surely be made to serve 21st-century sports fans.

While SDSU continues to move forward with its proposal, SOHO urges City officials and citizens to turn our stated historic preservation and environmental impact goals into meaningful action. Success depends on the preservation and adaptive reuse of San Diego Stadium, a monumental symbol of national sports history.

Contact San Diego State University (mvcomments@sdsu.edu) and Scott Sherman of Council District 7 (scottsherman@sandiego.gov) to express your concerns about the fate of the stadium.

(Scroll to view more photos)

Vintage image, c. 1969. Courtesy Coons collection

Current photos by Sandé Lollis

2022 | 2021

2020

2019

Newly Added

Remaining from past years

Saved/Removed from the list

2018 | 2017 | 2016

2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Mailing - PO Box 80788 · San Diego CA 92138 | Offices - 3525 Seventh Avenue · San Diego CA 92103
Offices, Museums & Shops (619) 297-9327
Home | Contact