Local developer Doug Manchester has contacted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing a desire to build a privately-financed stadium in Mission Valley.

Manchester, the former owner of The San Diego Union-Tribune, told Goodell he had “assembled a powerful group of associates” who will develop the land on which Qualcomm Stadium sits and “construct a new 70,000-seat stadium and surrounding development.”

An NFL spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Manchester declined to comment.

Significantly, the letter said the project could “provide an immediate alternative” for the Raiders if their stadium proposal in Las Vegas falls through. The Raiders maintain they are still working toward moving to Las Vegas despite two potential financial partners withdrawing. League owners are set to vote on their possible relocation at a meeting in late March.


The correspondence from Manchester, dated Feb. 8, said the group is “open to working with the Chargers, the Raiders, other NFL owners or a new ownership group.” The letter said an NFL franchise could participate as a partner or tenant.

“Our group will provide the funds previously allocated to be provided by the City of San Diego and guarantee the stadium’s expeditious construction,” the letter says. “Accordingly, this project will not require voter approval.”

The letter also said the group would provide “new state of the art scoreboards and upgrade Qualcomm Stadium while the new stadium is being constructed.”


kevin.acee@sduniontribune.com