So I was reading the Press-Telegram online and ran across a story with the headline: Long Beach An Option For USC. The report, by PT staff writer Bob Keisser, talks up the ongoing discussions with QM land developer Jeff Klien, the NFL and now USC officials.
The politics and infighting at the LA Coliseum Commission have pushed USC to look elsewhere to build a new stadium. Options include the Rose Bowl, and now Long Beach.
I should state my big bias here. I am a proud alum of USC, and nothing would make me happier than to see USC football move to Long Beach. This would be a major win for the city, with thousands of fans and students pouring into our Downtown restaurants and shops. The media coverage alone would be worth a fortune to our city.
We also have the luxury of the Metro line with a direct connection from Downtown Long Beach to USC. I could imagine the trainloads of students and fans unloading from the Blue Line on game days.
I don’t know developer Jeff Klein, but I like him already. He thinks big and has vision. It is obvious that he is thinking outside the box… let’s hope he gets the support from our city officials and city staff.