Schwarzenegger Supports NFL Dream at Coliseum

The Coliseum received a powerful endorsement Thursday, one that creates a legislative tool that could help clear the way to bring an NFL team back to that stadium.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 2805, which extends the life and enhances the powers of the Hoover Redevelopment Zone, committing specific tax revenue to the stadium project. Although the money generated cannot be used on the stadium, it could defray the cost of surrounding infrastructure by $25 million to $30 million.

Perhaps more important, it is an indication of the governor’s support of returning football to the nation’s No. 2 market.

“This special circumstance to attract an NFL franchise to California is extremely unique and important and I would not consider this expansion of redevelopment authority under any other circumstance,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

The bill was written by Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) a longtime advocate of bringing the NFL back to the Coliseum.

The league also is exploring stadium projects at the Rose Bowl, Carson and Anaheim.

The nine-member Coliseum Commission met Thursday to discuss the status of negotiations with the NFL, which began in May. The commission will meet again Wednesday to continue the discussion and to prepare for the NFL meetings Oct. 27-29 in Detroit.

“We’re closer than we’ve been in 10 years,” said L.A. Councilman Bernard C. Parks, president of the commission. “In football terms, we’re in the red zone.”