Stadium Proposals

Re “Fourth Down, 3 to Go,” Jan. 3: The two stadium-design proposals for an NFL team left me with a clear choice. The Coliseum design looks more sophisticated and forward looking, while the Carson proposal looks like a mediocre shopping mall. Beyond the design, it seems more advantageous to be at a focal point of the region’s transportation system rather than at the intersection of two already overcrowded freeways.

As for a greater pre- and post-game venue, the Coliseum area wins hands down over a Carson stadium and mall, which pale in comparison with the improvements to Exposition Park and its museums, the nearness to downtown and its ongoing renaissance, with the new Staples Arena, cathedral and Disney Hall, in addition to its existing attractions both cultural and sporting. The “New Coliseum” would further the rebirth of the urban core of Los Angeles and help define us as a city with a living history. I would hope the NFL is progressive and sees itself as part of the rejuvenation of the Coliseum and of central Los Angeles, rather than another suburban shopping mall developer.

THOMAS JONES, Los Angeles

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I have one question for each of the competing proponents who wish to bring a new NFL franchise team to L.A.: Where are visitors to the current and proposed attractions in Exposition Park going to park when all 20,000-plus parking spaces are required for the Coliseum during football games and other occasions?

How is another entertainment/retail center going to offset the cost of building a new stadium in Carson, when there is already a glut of nearly identical venues being built in the region?

ALAN COLES, Long Beach

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Hey, if you think the San Diego Freeway (405) is crowded now, just wait a few years until Los Angeles International Airport sprawls to its maximum, accompanied by the new NFL stadium in Carson! Imagine the possibilities: paid parking on the freeway; businesses run not from home but from idling cars whose drivers can have lunch provided by vendors hawking fruit from car to car.

Folks, before leaping into these neighboring projects, please think real hard about the consequences.

KEITH McCARTHY, Downey

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In two years I will be able to take the Red Line into downtown L.A. and transfer to the Blue Line to get to the new, sleek-lined, classic Coliseum. Or drive to the new stadium in Carson to get to the new giant Taco Bell (mission-style architecture is a valid style, but boy have they missed here).

For architectural taste and transportation convenience, give me the new Coliseum every time. The center of the L.A. metro area is downtown and the new Red, Blue and Green lines will get you there. No contest here!

MANUEL R. GUTIERREZ, Studio City

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Frank Gehry made Bilbao a destination with his unique architecture. Michael Ovitz should hire an outstanding architect if he intends to do the same for Carson. The Horrible Hacienda won’t do.

SIDNEY K. GALLY, Pasadena