The original naming rights agreement for Qualcomm Stadium has expired, though that does not mean the facility’s name will immediately change.
Earlier this week, the naming rights contract between the City of San Diego and Qualcomm expired, marking the end of an agreement that was originally reached in 1997. The deal included an $18 million lump-sum payment, helping to cover $78 million in renovations to the facility when it was still home to both the NFL’s Chargers and MLB’s Padres.
The times have changed significantly. The Padres left the stadium for Petco Park after the 2003 season, and the Chargers announced earlier this year that they were departing to Los Angeles. However, Qualcomm Stadium is expected to remain open for at least the next couple of years for San Diego State University football and the Holiday Bowl.
For right now, city officials say that are not making immediate plans to change the facility’s name. There has reportedly been a recent discussion between the city and Qualcomm, and any change in the name would lead to additional projects such as removing stadium signage. More from The San Diego Union-Tribune:
The 20-year naming rights deal for Qualcomm Stadium expired on Tuesday, but a city spokesman said there are no immediate plans to tear down signs or officially rename the stadium.
City officials and Qualcomm have had at least one recent meeting to discuss potentially extending the deal, but the city spokesman said no decisions had been made on Wednesday.
The current agreements for San Diego State and the Holiday Bowl expire after the 2018 football season. Officials have been debating the future of the stadium and the surrounding property, and one high-profile proposal has called for it to be redeveloped as part of a project that would include an MLS stadium.
Image courtesy San Diego Chargers.
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