San Diego fans play an important role in cheering on their team every Sunday, and they turned out in droves to support the Citizens' Initiative on Saturday.
Nearly 4,000 citizens flocked to the cross-section of 13th Street and K Street to support the signature gathering kickoff. Registered voters and city residents could sign the Initiative and residents could even register to vote on-site.
"My wife registered to vote (today) just so she could sign the initiative," said Duane Smets. "I've been on board all along. I always thought downtown was the best plan and I'm glad to see we're working toward it."
Fans were treated to a panel where Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers and local congressmen all spoke about the Initiative and what it means for the future of San Diego.
"(The event) is going to give us a larger picture, a better perspective on the whole community and how it's going to evolve due to this great project," mentioned Omar Peralta.
"I think there's been too much rhetoric with people not understanding what's going on, so I think it's best for people to come together to get as much information as they can about what's going on," said downtown resident Don Ruff. "Once we do that, then we'll be able to make an informed decision, but for the overall benefit of San Diego, we need the Chargers."
"I want to hear some hopefully good, positive things from the Chargers so we can hopefully get the community behind us and get this thing built," added Michael Warner.
Not only is Warner a lifelong Chargers fan, but he also believes a new stadium and multi-use facility would revitalize the city.
"We want to keep the team here, but (the project) is also great for the community, it's great for the city (and) it'll bring jobs," he said.
Upon hearing from the panel, the main takeaway from fans was how the event reconnected and bonded them back with their team.
"It looks like they're definitely committed," said Craig Hammond of Mission Valley. "When you see the NFL Commissioner up on the stage with Dean Spanos along with Rivers, L.T. and Jason Verrett, it gives you a lot of hope."
Paid for by Citizens for Sports, Entertainment and Tourism, with major funding by Chargers Football Company, LLC.
Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers join the public in downtown to rally and kick off the Initiative and discuss the stadium opportunity at hand for the future of San Diego.Paid for by Citizens for Sports, Entertainment and Tourism, with major funding by Chargers Football Company, LLC.
Philip Rivers and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott shake hands after the game Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Casey Hayward celebrates a interception against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Texas.
The defense celebrate an interception against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Texas.
Casey Hayward, Desmond King, Keenan Allen and Jahleel Addae strike a pose during the last few minutes of the game Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Tyrell Williams and General Manager Tom Telesco come together for a handshake after leaving the field Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Cory Liuget and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos come together for handshakes and celebrations in the locker room Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Philip Rivers and Head Coach Anthony Lynn come together for handshakes and celebrations in the locker room Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Anthony Lynn gives a post game speech in the locker room on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
Anthony Lynn smiles with enthusiam during his celebration speech on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017.
