The Chargers have yet to work out a deal to share space with the Rams in Kroenkeworld. But they’ve taken another tangible step toward shedding the “San Diego” and returning to L.A.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chargers have acquired land in Orange County, and that the property will be used for a team headquarters and practice facility.
“The plans are for a five-acre parcel in Santa Ana that would be the location of the team’s interim headquarters and training facilities in the event the team exercises its option to relocate to the Los Angeles area,” the Chargers said in a statement, via Acee.
The news comes at a time when the L.A. Coliseum is clearing a path for hosting two NFL teams, one of various needles that need to be threaded to allow the Chargers to move. The Chargers nevertheless insist that a move is not imminent.
“The franchise is continuing to review all of its options, and no final decision on relocation has been made,” the Chargers said. “It was necessary for the team to submit the grading and landscape plans now because of the long lead time necessary to secure land use approvals and to prepare the natural grass practice fields in time for the team’s offseason workout schedule.”
Whatever happens, a decision must be made sooner than later. Apart from the logistics associated with getting ready for the 2016 season, the Chargers have plenty of employees who need to know whether -- and where -- they’ll have jobs.
