SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State University held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning to celebrate the university officially assuming ownership of the Mission Valley stadium site and commemorate the launch of a new era for the greater San Diego region.
Anchored by Aztec Stadium, the new home for the San Diego State football program, SDSU Mission Valley will deliver immense benefits to the community for generations to come. Upon breaking ground, one of the first major construction projects to undergo development, in addition to the River Park, will be the highly anticipated stadium, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2022.
"We are building a stadium for Aztec football, international and professional soccer, concerts, and any other event you can think of," said SDSU Athletic Director John David Wicker. "A world-class 35,000-capacity stadium designed to offer the amenities fans expect today. This is the most important sports and entertainment venue in San Diego since Petco Park and will be available 365 days a year for our campus and community."
In addition to the significant land development, the project will be transformational for the community. SDSU Mission Valley is projected to expand the university's economic impact in the region by $3 billion annually. Along with football, Aztec Stadium will have the capability to host select SDSU men's and women's soccer matches, as well as women's lacrosse games.
"What happens on the ground right here, beneath our feet will elevate San Diego State and elevate San Diego in ways that we can't possibly imagine," said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. "San Diegans should take great satisfaction in knowing that the future of this land is finally set as a place where education, athletics, and the community will thrive side by side for generations to come."
Collectively, SDSU Mission Valley will create new educational experiences, foster research, advance technology, facilitate internships, and provide new educational opportunities. The outcome of this expansion will allow the university to gradually increase enrollment by up to 15,000 students.
"Today marks a milestone moment for San Diego State University and the City of San Diego," said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. "With today's groundbreaking, we begin the work to expand SDSU's educational, research, and entrepreneurial missions. SDSU Mission Valley also addresses the realities of the past few months and the need for new streams of revenue to support higher education opportunities for all.
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and as the stadium site is now an active construction site, the event was not open to the general public as initially intended. Instead, the number of in-person speakers and invited guests was restricted to maintain full compliance with the county's public health guidelines. Prior to the groundbreaking event, SDSU organizers consulted closely with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency to ensure said guidelines were observed.
Tom McCarron, San Diego State's senior vice president for SDSU Mission Valley, kicked off the event expressing his gratitude. He acknowledged the collective years-long efforts of all those involved in the project, from conception to realization for their critical and steadfast support.
"This is truly a momentous day in the history of our university and the City of San Diego," McCarron said. "Today we celebrate the commencement of construction of SDSU Mission Valley, Aztec Stadium, and the River Park."
Additional remarks were made both in-person or via video by California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees members Adam Day and Jack McGrory; San Diego City Council members Georgette Gómez and Barbara Bry; interim vice president for research Hala Madanat; Aztec Stadium donor, Dianne Bashor; chair of The Campanile Foundation, Jerry Sanders; SDSU Associated Students president Christian Holt; and alumni and long-time SDSU supporter, Nikki Clay.
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with the participants taking part in a ceremonial first "shovel in the ground."
Construction will begin in earnest by Clark Construction with grading and infrastructure work, paving the way for the stadium and River Park construction. Clark Construction is expected to employ an estimated 3,500 to 5,550 workers through both the stadium and site development.
Newly launched Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter channels will provide SDSU Mission Valley updates, information, and features. Please also continue visiting the SDSU Mission Valley website, as it is regularly updated.
The San Diego State football program has made 10 straight bowl game appearances and is one of 10 schools nationally to win at least 10 games in four of the last five seasons. The Aztecs have called SDCCU Stadium home since 1967 and have compiled a 221-113-6 (.659) record at the facility in that span.