Chargers tickets sold only to locals

The Chargers, who Sunday will play host to only their second playoff game in a decade, have adopted a philosophy embraced by the surliest of wave riders: Locals only.

When the team sold its remaining 1,000 tickets for Sunday’s divisional game against New England, only Southern California residents were eligible. The seats were sold Monday through Ticketmaster -- the allotment was gone in 10 minutes -- and residency was determined by the credit-card billing addresses. Out-of-area orders were canceled.

“Our No. 1 goal through this was to take care of our fans, the people who have supported us year-round,” Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said. “We did it in hopes of filling our stadium with Charger fans.”

Johnston said the Chargers’ season-ticket base is roughly 61,000, including those fans who have purchased packages for 2007, which is up about 10,000 from a year ago. The team was undefeated at home this season.

Linebacker Shawne Merriman said getting home-field advantage “was the goal since day one....We’ve seen what it can do with us. Having that 12th man when the crowd is loud and it’s hard to audible can make some things happen.”

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-- Sam Farmer