Regardless of who wins Super Bowl LI today, San Diego taxpayers are the winners of this NFL season.

Last month, Dean Spanos—the Art Modell (or Robert Isray) of the West—relocated his Chargers 100 miles north to Los Angeles. Ron Burgundy would be proud. The Chargers’ stint in Los Angeles has been off to an acrimonious start. Their new logo became an internet meme. Anthony Lynn, the Chargers’ new head coach, forgot what city he will be coaching in. The NFL is mad that the Chargers left San Diego. And Los Angeles declared in no uncertain terms: WE.DON’T.WANT.YOU.

Possibly the worst part of this story is their new housing situations. Before they become Stan Kroenke’s tenant, they will play fourteen home games (discounting their two games against the Raiders) in the 30,000 seat Stub Hub Center. 30,000 seats. That is awfully small for an NFL game. It is like your 70-year old grandma downsizing—except it’s with a multi-billion-dollar sports franchise. Continue reading →