"It is important to note, an announcement on MLS expansion is not expected until later in 2017 and a team would likely start playing in San Diego (if it's chosen) for several more years." Today's announcement of the latest private development scheme for City-owned Qualcomm Stadium (see below) should not distract us from the tremendous humanitarian service and good that this City asset can perform in the Short Term! Please SHARE this Petition and encourage others to Sign it to send a Clear Message to Mayor Faulconer about what the Spirit of San Diego REALLY means. "Sources tell NBC 7 San Diego that a San Diego-based investment group led by FS Investors founder Mike Stone and former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman has put together a proposal to purchase the Mission Valley land where Qualcomm Stadium currently sits and turn it in to a sports and entertainment center with a new stadium as the lynchpin. "This group owns the exclusive negotiating rights to MLS in the San Diego market and plans to make a bid for an MLS expansion team. A formal presentation will be made on Monday morning in La Jolla. "The facility would be used by the new MLS franchise and the San Diego State Aztecs football program. The plan is to develop the area around the stadium in to an area not unlike the extremely popular Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego with restaurants, live entertainment and shopping. "Unlike the proposals set forth by the Chargers, this construction project would be 100% privately financed. Stone and Altman have assembled a team that would take care of the build while purchasing the land from the City of San Diego at "fair market value." "The proposal would also set aside land for the possible construction of an NFL-caliber stadium in case the league decides to return to San Diego, as well as the opportunity to build out and expand the San Diego River Park with transit-oriented, mixed-use development to activate the River Park and stadium uses." Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/MLS-Targeting-San-Diego-for-Expansion-410864725.html#ixzz4WdJyi6L3 Follow us: @nbcsandiego on Twitter | NBCSanDiego on Facebook