The state of California had many propositions and measures on the ballot on Tuesday, including Measure C, which heavily impacted the San Diego Chargers. In an overwhelming amount, citizens voted against Measure C, which ousted any new stadium proposal and suddenly has the Chargers potentially relocating with the Los Angeles Rams.
The city gave an official vote against the approval of the new Chargers stadium proposal, which the organization was banking on. Although rumors have been constantly spread regarding relocation, it seems as though the city may officially have put a damper on the chances of Chargers staying in San Diego.
In total, the voters went 57 percent against, to 43 percent in favor of, from the unofficial results posted by the Registrar of Voters in San Diego County. In total, 169,000 residents voted against it, while 127,000 voted in favor of it.
The measure needed 2/3 votes of approval, which it certainly did not come close to reaching. Chargers owner Dean Spanos now has until Jan. 15 to decide the future of the Chargers organization.
Since Measure C did not come close to getting over 50 percent, it shows a different mentality from the city of San Diego. If the vote were to be over 50 percent, it would show that a majority would approve the renewal. However, since it is less than 50 percent it basically gives a telltale sign to Spanos the city doesn’t see the Chargers in their city long term.
Spanos originally understood that from a business standpoint, it would be a better investment to relocate the team. When he originally submitted to move the team to Carson, it was denied because the Rams relocation to Los Angeles took precedence.
If the measure were to be accepted, the city hotel taxes would be responsible for giving the funding to Measure C. The hotel taxes would increase from 12.5 percent to 16.5 percent, with the proceeds aiding the $1.8 billion stadium.
The tax would pay $1.15 billion in bonds, while the owners would only need to pay for $650 million. If Spanos were to vote against moving to Los Angeles, the Oakland Raiders would be next in line for a potential option to return to Los Angeles.
Although the relocation to Carson was rejected, Spanos understood that the team was also approved to move and share the new Inglewood Stadium with the Rams.
Qualcomm Stadium is one of the oldest and recognizably worst in the league, as Spanos understood that the worst deal in Los Angeles was better than the best deal in San Diego.
While the Rams are patiently waiting for the Inglewood Stadium to be built by the 2018 season, they now wait to see if they will have a partner in sharing their new stadium.
