Former exec Carmen Policy to pitch benefits of Carson stadium to NFL

SAN DIEGO -- The $1.7 billion NFL stadium proposed in Carson, California by the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders gives the league the best chance to succeed in the Los Angeles market, creating a football-only NFL experience.

That's the opinion of former NFL executive Carmen Policy, who oversees the project for the two teams. Policy will present an update on the proposal when the Chargers and Raiders meetWednesday in New York with the group known as the Committee on Los Angeles Opportunities, which was formed by commissioner Roger Goodell in February.

As part of that presentation, Policy will reveal the latest stadium architectural designs and a detailed finance plan presented by Goldman Sachs, the financier for the project.

Before the meeting is held, the Chargers on Monday will hold a second meeting with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, city attorney Jan Goldsmith, county supervisor Ron Roberts and the city's negotiating team.

However, if things ultimately do not work out in San Diego, Policy says Los Angeles offers a lucrative opportunity for the league.

"I believe this is the time to hit it," Policy said. "I would be shocked if this is pushed back. I believe you are going to have a decision by the league before the Super Bowl is played."

Policy said that if the league decided to wait another year, costs of the Los Angeles projects would increase.

One of the things Policy will highlight is why the Carson project is a more workable plan for the NFL to enter the Los Angeles market than Rams owner Stan Kroenke's proposed $1.86 billion NFL stadium in Inglewood.

Unlike the proposal for Inglewood, which is part of a larger, 300-acre redevelopment at the former Hollywood Park site, Policy said the Carson project's 168 acres will be dedicated to football only.

Policy outlined what would be available at the site to help create an NFL experience:

Room would be made available for NFL Network studios and offices at the site if the league wishes.

Exhibit space would be made available for traveling pieces from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

More than 25,000 parking spaces will be available within a 15-minute walk to the stadium.

Fans can purchase their own tailgating spaces, with cooking grills provided onsite, along with the opportunity to preorder food and have it delivered.

The site has direct freeway access from Interstate 405.

A 100-yard community football field would be available for fans to use on game days. Policy went on to say that the Carson project provides a solution for the two California teams with antiquated facilities in San Diego and Oakland, and it brings the two teams in on equal footing.

League observers believe that the NFL wants two teams in Los Angeles, and by bringing in two at the same time, the NFL avoids an owner-tenant conflict that could arise in such a situation. Policy described the Carson partnership between the Chargers and the Raiders as a duplex, with each team owning its own unit.

Policy described the 168-acre property as a blank canvas to create an NFL masterpiece. Also, with the project's location, west of Los Angeles and close to Orange County, it allows the NFL be within reach of the lucrative Orange County market.

"I don't think you can talk about the importance of Orange County largely or often enough," Policy said. "It's a huge factor, not only because of its present status, but because of its growth potential. There are a lot of companies, and people with means to afford special events. There is no better site in Southern California that is capable of handling an NFL project for Orange County than Carson.

Policy said the finance plan for the Carson project will be similar to the San Francisco 49ers' $1.3 billion Levi's Stadium, which Goldman Sachs also helped finance. He indicated that the Chargers and Raiders partnering on the project doubles the potential revenues making it more palatable to finance.

"It's extremely similar," Policy said. "It might even be a duplicate. What makes this deal so exciting and so much easier is the fact there is two teams. So the financing is not so much the heavy lifting.

"The opportunities to generate revenue are just amazing. Because you have two teams, you don't have to look to real estate development to augment the revenue streams. It gives you the luxury to have the NFL experience. It's not part of something else. It stands alone. And it gives the NFL an opportunity to truly stand out and stand alone in Los Angeles."