Backers of a proposed San Diego State University (SDSU) stadium will start a ballot initiative on Saturday, beginning a process that could lead to a 2018 voter referendum.
The SDSU West Steering Committee–a group of supporters that includes alumni–previously revealed that it will undertake a a citizens’ initiative for a project that could include a new joint-use stadium and surrounding development. If it does reach a 2018 ballot, it could be in direct competition with the SoccerCity proposal pitched by FS Investors, which is seeking to bring a MLS expansion franchise to San Diego.
In order for its proposal to reach the ballot, the committee will need to collect a minimum 71,646 signatures from verified San Diego city voters. From there, the initiative would go before the San Diego City Council, giving the council the option to either approve it or place it on the ballot in June or November of 2018. Backers of the SDSU stadium will begin their push on Saturday, with organizers planning to have a presence outside of SDCCU Stadium. More from The San Diego Union-Tribune:
“This initiative unlocks incredible potential for the existing stadium site,” said former City Manager Jack McGrory, a member of the steering committee and the university’s Campanile Foundation of major donors and supporters.
Veteran political consultant Tom Shepard, who is overseeing the campaign, said four tented booths will be erected in the SDCCU Stadium parking lot Saturday afternoon, where voters can sign petitions before the Aztecs’ game against Fresno State kicks off at 7:30 p.m. There will be an interactive social media video station and “Go Aztecs!” rally signs available.
Meanwhile, nearly 75 gatherers will fan out at grocery stores, shopping centers and other locations to gather signatures during the day and then continue the drive over the next 10 weeks.
SDSU is expected to use SDCCU Stadium–the former home of the NFL’s Chargers–through at least the 2018 season. Backers of the SDSU stadium are hoping to gather about 110,000 signatures by December, according to the Union-Tribune. SDSU was at one point in negotiations to share the stadium included in SoccerCity, but ceased discussions earlier this year.
Image courtesy SDSU.