San Diego State hires architect to design football stadium

Oct 6, 2017 - 1:03 AM SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego State has hired Populous to design a football stadium in Mission Valley that could also be used by a pro soccer team. Athletic director J.D. Wicker said Thursday that SDSU wants a 35,000-seat stadium that could be expanded to 55,000 seats if the NFL ever returns. The Chargers left for Los Angeles earlier this year because it couldn't get a new stadium. A concept is due by the end of November. Last week, a group of SDSU supporters launched a ballot initiative to buy 132 acres of land at the site of SDCCU Stadium, formerly known as Qualcomm Stadium. Wicker hopes a new stadium could be open by fall of 2021 or 2022. The school also wants to use part of the large stadium site to expand its campus. Another group has proposed a 23,500-seat stadium for an expansion MLS team that could be enlarged by 10,000 seats if SDSU partners on that project. "San Diego State has played in Mission Valley for 50 years and we plan on playing there another 50 years and having a good partner," Wicker said.