Carson city leaders lay groundwork for NFL project

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- The city of Carson held a press conference Friday near the proposed NFL stadium location, where organizers unveiled the newly named Stadium Way street sign.

The city is in a race with Inglewood to bring an NFL team back to the Los Angeles area for the first time since 1994. The San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders have been unable to secure new stadium deals with their current cities.

Mark Fabiani, the general counsel for the Chargers, said the team has disagreed since June with San Diego's decision to conduct a three-week environmental impact report, a process that normally takes 18 months.

"The team has refused to be part of such a half-baked plan," he said in a statement.

Carson Mayor Albert Robles is telling all NFL team owners - who will ultimately vote on the plans - there is regional support for a stadium in L.A.

"Only God can address the water drought, but the city of Carson is going to do its best to make sure we address our football drought," Robles said.

City leaders are partnered with both NFL teams with hopes of bringing one to play for good in the proposed stadium location off the 405 Freeway, priced at $1.78 billion.

"We can't let our history interfere with our destiny. We want the NFL stadium," said Jawane Hilton, a Carson councilman.

Fans from both teams also show continued support for the plan.

"It's going to be one hell of a stadium," said Chargers fan, Miguel Farias of Downey. "It's going to be great. The emotions, the fans are going to be crazy. It's going to be big."