NFL Los Angeles: Where to Build It So They Will Come

By Courtney Sweet

Los Angeles County, CA, population 9.9 million, home to the NBA Lakers and Clippers, NHL Kings, MLB Dodgers and Angels and NFL... well nobody. That's right, the nation's second largest media market has two basketball teams, two baseball teams, a hockey team (two if you count the Anaheim Ducks) but not a pro football team in the mix.

Until 1995 Los Angeles was home to not one, but two football teams, the Rams and Raiders. Due to lackluster facilities and alleged citywide apathy, both teams relocated elsewhere. Since then the closest thing the city's had to a pro team were the Pete Carroll lead USC Trojans in their prime.

The 16 year football drought boils down mainly to finances, without public funding available, a new stadium must be privately financed. There are two groups willing to put up their own money and they're fighting for the right to bring football back to Los Angeles.

Spearheading the Majestic Realty Company bid is CEO Ed Roski Jr. This plan calls for an $800 million stadium on 600 acres, in the City of Industry (now referred to as Grand Crossing) approximately 25 miles outside of Los Angeles.

This stadium requires less steel which keeps cost lower, would be the league's first LEED-certified green stadium, provides plenty of space for football related activities such as tailgating, plus Majestic already has an approved Environmental Impact Report and approval from Legislature that blocks all other lawsuits. This stadium also meets all FIFA requirements to host a World Cup.

The other proposal is headed by Tim Leiweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group or AEG. They are proposing a $1.2 billion stadium with a retractable roof in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The venue would be part of a renovated Los Angeles Convention Center hoping to attract other events such as Final Fours, concerts, and conventions. AEG is responsible for building the sports and entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles which includes Staples Center and L.A. Live.

Recently AEG made headlines announcing a naming rights deal with Farmers Insurance. It's estimated that the 30 year deal is worth $700 million dollars. AEG also boasts celebrity endorsement, including Los Angeles' own Magic Johnson.

Regardless of which group is granted a franchise, there are a few obstacles in the way. First there's this little thing called the CBA which has to be resolved. Second, there's the question of a team, will Los Angeles be rewarded a new team or will an existing team relocate?

In attempting to bring football back to Los Angeles here are a few questions to ponder:

Enduring a football famine for 16 years, NFL fans in Los Angeles already have loyalties to other teams, so will the city get behind a new team? If the downtown stadium is chosen, how do traffic and a lack of tailgating factor into the total fan experience? Plus in an already congested downtown how would it work logistically with the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and NFL all in season?

As evidenced by Dallas, New York and New England, stadiums built outside urban areas can be successful, but if Roski's plan is chosen, will the fans follow? Will surrounding business around Grand Crossing survive in the off-season?

AEG secured $700 million in naming rights, but Majestic has alluded that they will be the first stadium to secure billion-dollar naming rights, will they pull it off?

Unless a new franchise is awarded, a current team would need to relocate, possibly the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers or San Diego Chargers. Are any of these teams willing to make the transition?

Will the NFL miss the leverage that Los Angeles brings? Lets face it, whenever existing stadiums start to wear down, the imposing threat of a move out West most certainly prompts a stadium face lift or a new stadium all together. I'm sure the NFL head office would dismiss this idea, but I'd be willing to bet this argument holds merit.

So, the battle wages on to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles and until it happens Los Angeles residents will continue spending Sundays cheering on their beloved Lakers in their Sunday whites. `