To prepare the facility for NFL action, the Los Angeles Chargers overhauled several areas of the StubHub Center.
With the team set to embark on its first season since relocating from San Diego earlier this year, the Chargers are working to make sure that their temporary home can accommodate NFL action. For the next three seasons, the Chargers are expected to play in the StubHub Center–a soccer facility that opened in 2003, and is currently home to MLS’ LA Galaxy.
A lot has been said to this point about how unique this arrangement will be, particularly when it comes to the SubHub Center’s seating capacity of 27,000–a number far smaller than that of typical NFL stadiums. Though seats have been added to the facility, the Chargers had plenty of other areas to address to make sure that the StubHub Center can meet the challenge of hosting NFL action. More from The San Diego Union-Tribune:
The Chargers, in conjunction with stadium and league officials, have worked furiously for months to upgrade and adjust the facility to accommodate the larger crowds expected for football, from adding seats, parking, concession stands and restrooms to a massive expansion of the press box.
The bleachers in the second deck on the east side of the stadium were replaced by tip-up seats and moved to the berm on the north side, adding 1,000 seats. A new section of upper-level bleachers, which will seat 330, was erected in the southeast corner of the stadium.
The 43 luxury suites have been renovated with new seats, furniture, community tables and engineered hardwood floors instead of dated carpet.
Fans will have use of the restrooms and concession stands at the 8,000-seat tennis stadium next door. A new concession area with food trucks, beer trucks and high-end portable restrooms will be added behind the berm on the north side.
The Chargers are expected to remain at the StubHub Center until their new stadium in Inglewood–which will be shared with the Los Angeles Rams–opens in 2020. For the 2017 campaign, the Chargers’ first preseason game at the facility is scheduled for August 13, while their regular season home opener is slated for September 17.
Image courtesy Los Angeles Chargers.
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