If you have normally driven past the former site of Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley over the last several years, you've seen the changes since the “Q” was demolished.
When the Chargers abandoned their home of more than 50 years, it was a gloomy moment for sports fans and for the economy.
But in fewer than 5 years, what used to be the site of a decaying stadium with a losing team, became the home of a brand new stadium, with the name Snapdragon, an important high tech product made by Qualcomm, which is one of San Diego’s most successful companies over decades.
And now with this week’s announcement by San Diego State University that a developer has been named to build the next phase of the school’s Mission Valley campus, an innovation district with science and health the focus, it means the site of the old stadium is now on its way to becoming what the school has in its plan, that also includes several thousand residential units, a hotel and campus shops.
University President Adela de la Torre said, “This is momentous for SDSU.” And it’s a big deal for San Diego as a city and the region’s economy and reputation.
And it’s a welcome change from a place where losers once played to now becoming an important part of San Diego State and with teams that win.
(Photo courtesy "LPC West; Design: Lever / FPBA / JCFO; Image by E Studio Nod")