Showing posts with label Chargers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chargers. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Charger Girl Auditions Begin April 3


The San Diego Charger Girls are holding open auditions on Sunday, April 3 at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion.  Registration and check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m., followed by a preliminary dance audition at 10 a.m.
 
The day-long dance audition welcomes more than 400 hopefuls annually from across the nation and overseas, each of which seek 28 coveted positions. The Charger Girls are known as one of professional sports’ most talented and respected cheer and dance teams.
 
Applications are only available online at www.chargers.com and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application along with a $20 registration fee should be submitted via mail or hand-delivered no later than March 30 for pre-registration status. Women are encouraged to send a 5x7 (or larger) headshot and/or full body shot with their application. Walk-ups will be accepted at the door with a $25 registration fee. Please make check or money order payable to e2k Sports.  
 
            Applicants are required to wear a two-piece leotard and flesh colored tights/hosiery as well as jazz, dance or athletic shoes. Applicants should arrive early and bring plenty of fluids and a light snack.
 
Judges will be looking for the brightest young talent with dance ability, crowd appeal and showmanship. Finalists can expect an interview and final dance audition during the week following the audition.
 
Team members must have flexible schedules for twice-weekly rehearsals, games and public appearances prior to and during the season. 
 
                For more information, visit www.chargers.com.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Chargers To Release Shawne Merriman



The San Diego Chargers placed linebacker Shawne Merriman on Reserve-Injured with a calf injury and a “minor-injury designation (less than six-week injury)”, which means the six-year veteran must be released by the team when he becomes healthy.

Merriman saw limited action in the season’s first five weeks. An Achilles injury forced him to miss the season opener in Kansas City. He saw limited action in Week 2 versus Jacksonville. He suffered a calf injury in Week 3 at Seattle and missed the team’s victory over Arizona in Week 4.  He re-injured his calf last week in Oakland.

The Chargers now list four linebackers on Reserve-Injured: Donald Butler, James Holt, Jyles Tucker and Merriman.  Linebacker Larry English also has missed three games and is expected to miss 2-4 more weeks.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Chargers Announce Open Training Camp Practices


San Diego – Fans of the four-time defending AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers will once again enjoy the sights and sounds of Training Camp beginning with the first of 11 open practices on Sunday, August 1 at 4 pm. 

Chargers Training Camp is always a memorable experience for fans of all ages.  It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s leading franchises in action.  Bleacher seating is available for outstanding views of the entire practice field. Concession stands will offer plenty of food and beverage choices along with the latest Chargers merchandise and apparel.  Hats and sunscreen are recommended.  Beach chairs, coolers, snacks, soft drinks and water are allowed.  Alcoholic beverages, video cameras, pets and weapons of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

Parking around Chargers Park is limited. On weekdays, parking is available on the west side of Murphy Canyon Rd. as well as behind the Holiday Inn south of Chargers Park.  For weekend practices, parking is also available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.

The team will hold two open practices at Qualcomm Stadium: Wednesday, Aug. 4 (7-9:20 pm) and the team’s annual FanFest, presented by Bud Light, on Saturday, Aug. 7. FanFest will be another big day for Chargers fans.  Players will be signing autographs for fans 14 and under beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a performance by the Charger Girls and a practice from 11-1 p.m.  Nearly 10,000 fans annually attend the team’s most popular and FREE training camp event.

The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Chicago Bears (Aug. 14) and Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 21).  Tickets may be purchased by logging onto www.Chargers.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the Ticket Office located at Gate C at the stadium. 

Chargers 2010 season tickets also are on sale.  They can be purchased by calling 877-CHARGERS, visiting www.Chargers.com or stopping by the Chargers’ ticket office, open Monday through Friday from 8-5 pm.

Open Training Camp Practices* & Other Important Dates



Sun.     Aug. 1         4-6 p.m.  (FIRST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Mon.    Aug. 2         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 3         4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 4         7-9:20 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium

Thur.    Aug. 5         4-6 p.m.

Fri.       Aug. 6         4-6 p.m.

Sat.      Aug. 7         10-1 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium (FanFest, presented by Bud Light)

Mon.    Aug. 9         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 10       4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 11       4-6 p.m.

Thur.    Aug. 12       4-6 p.m.  (LAST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Sat.      Aug. 14       PRESEASON GAME 1: Chargers vs. Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Aug. 21       PRESEASON GAME 2: Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 24       Training Camp breaks

Fri.       Aug. 27       PRESEASON GAME 3: Chargers at New Orleans Saints, 5 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 31       NFL rosters reduced to 75 players

Thur.    Sept. 2        PRESEASON GAME 4: Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 7 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Sept. 4        NFL rosters reduced to 53 players

Mon.    Sept. 13      REGULAR SEASON GAME 1: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:15 p.m. PDT



* Practice times are subject to change. Go to www.Chargers.com or call 858-874-4500 to confirm practice times.
    

 

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Charger Girl auditions begin April 11


--Dancing with the Stars alum Sabrina Bryan to help judge--


The San Diego Charger Girls are holding open auditions on Sunday, April 11 at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion. Registration and check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m., followed by a preliminary dance audition starting at 10 a.m.

Actress/singer Sabrina Bryan, a former member of the multi-platinum recording group, The Cheetah Girls, and star of the hit Disney Channel movie series, The Cheetah Girls, brings her expertise to the judging table for this year’s tryouts. Bryan also recently starred on season five of Dancing with the Stars.

"Sabrina's variety of high profile dance and performance experience adds another level of expertise to the judging panel,” Chargers Girls Director Lisa Simmons said. “She is a talented entertainer and will bring with her both knowledge and notoriety that will help us produce the most talented and successful Charger Girls team ever."

The day-long dance audition has annually welcomed more than 400 hopefuls from across the nation and overseas trying out for 28 highly-coveted positions. The Charger Girls are known as one of professional sports’ most talented and respected cheer and dance teams.

Applications are only available on-line at www.chargers.com and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application along with a $20 registration fee should be submitted via mail or hand-delivered no later than April 7 for pre-registration status. Women are encouraged to send a 5x7 (or larger) headshot and/or full-body shot with their application. Walk-ups will be accepted at the door with a $25 registration fee. Please make check or money order payable to e2k Sports.

Applicants are required to wear a two-piece leotard and flesh colored tights/hosiery as well as jazz, dance or athletic shoes. Applicants should arrive early, bring plenty of fluids and a light snack.

Judges will be looking for the brightest young talent with dance ability, crowd appeal and showmanship. Finalists can expect an interview and final dance audition during the week following the audition.

Team members must have flexible schedules for twice-weekly rehearsals, games and public appearances prior to and during the season.

For more information about Bryan, visit her official website, http://www.sabrinabryan.com/, or contact Maria Giannini (408) 591-3147.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Tomlinson’s Time In San Diego Ends


Chargers News Release:  Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers all-time leading rusher, was released today after nine remarkable seasons in San Diego. 

Chargers President Dean Spanos met with Tomlinson today and informed his veteran running back that he is being released.

“This is a part of the business that I hate, and it’s particularly hard when you’re dealing with someone I consider a friend,” Spanos said.  “Change involving great players is never easy.  I respect LT as much or more than any player I’ve ever known.  And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do.  That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make.

“It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career.  I’m proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field. 

“No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger.  His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger.”

Tomlinson owns or shares 28 team records, including career rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.  During his nine seasons in San Diego, Tomlinson won two rushing titles (2006 and ’07), set an NFL single-season record for touchdowns in a season (31 in ’06) and racked up 12,490 rushing yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history.  He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors five times.

“I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during LT’s rookie year in 2001 and it didn’t take long to realize that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual,” Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said.  “And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title.

“LT is a true pro.  He’s one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can’t do justice to the things he’s accomplished on and off the field.”

In addition to his long list of achievements on the gridiron, Tomlinson’s tireless efforts in the community have benefitted thousands of individuals in San Diego as well as his native Texas.  In 2006, LT received the NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic efforts.

“It’s fitting that LT’s and LaTorsha’s charity is called the ‘Touching Lives Foundation’ because that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Spanos said.  “So many people have been positively affected by their generosity.  Our community has been fortunate to have them.” 

Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2001 as the fifth overall selection in the NFL Draft.  The Chargers originally held the top pick in the draft, but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who moved up to take quarterback Michael Vick.  The Chargers nervously waited as Tomlinson fell to the fifth spot where they enthusiastically brought him into their fold.

“There were a lot of eyebrows raised when we made that trade, but LT proved to be everything we thought he’d be and more,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “He’s a future Hall of Famer.  My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring.”

Tomlinson was one of 53 men recognized as the Greatest All-Time Chargers during the team’s 50th anniversary celebration last season and he was recently named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s.  His 138 career rushing touchdowns are the second most in NFL history and his 153 total touchdowns ranks third in league annals. 

“I look forward to the time when we’ll see his number retired and see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Spanos said.  “I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed being around LT and LaTorsha the last nine years.”

###

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Chargers/Broncos Postgame Notes


The Chargers scored 52 points tonight, their most points since scoring 51 against Detroit on Dec. 16, 2007…it’s the most points the Chargers have scored in a game against Denver since 1968 in a 55-24 win…in their last three wins over Denver, the Chargers have outscored the Broncos 116-27.

The last time the Chargers scored more than 52 points in a game was Dec. 8, 1985 when the Chargers, coached then by Don Coryell, scored 54 points in a 54-44 win over Pittsburgh.

The Chargers rushed for a team-record 289 yards tonight, bettering the previous team mark of 287, set against the New York Jets on Oct. 13, 1963.

Darren Sproles led the team with 115 yards, his second-career 100-yard game.

LaDainian Tomlinson scored three rushing touchdowns tonight, the 124th, 125th and 126th of his career…in doing so, he broke a tie with Marcus Allen to take over sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdowns list…he now trails only Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time rushing scorer with 164 TDs.

The TDs were also the 139th, 140th and 141st of his career, allowing him to move past Terrell Owens and into fourth place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list…Marcus Allen (145) is currently third on that list.

The three TDs were Tomlinson’s most in a game since he scored four against Oakland on Oct. 14, 2007…it was his 11th career game with three or more rushing touchdowns.

Tomlinson finished the season with 10 rushing touchdowns…he’s rushed for at least 10 touchdowns in all eight of his NFL seasons and is the only player in NFL history to begin his career with four-or- more 10-touchdown seasons.

Tomlinson’s outing against the Broncos included a season-long 45-yard run.

Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes tonight giving him 34 for the season, a new team record…it breaks Dan Fouts’ total of 33 set in 1981.

Rivers passed for 207 yards tonight to finish the season with 4,009, becoming just the second 4,000-yard passer in team history, other than Fouts…Fouts also last did it in 1981, throwing for a team-record 4,802 yards.

Rivers finished the season with a passer rating of 105.5, a new team record (min. 100 att.) and the top passer rating mark in the NFL this season…the previous team record (104.8) was set by Drew Brees in 2004.

Punter Mike Scifres finished the season with a 40.9-yard net punting average, a new team record for single-season net punting average.

The Chargers reported the following injuries: tight end Antonio Gates (ankle), running back LaDainian Tomlinson (possible abdominal strain), linebacker Shaun Phillips (knee) and defensive end Luis Castillo (groin).

The Chargers won their third straight AFC West title and will host Indianapolis in an AFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 5:00 pm on NBC…the Chargers are 23-7 in AFC West games since 2004.

The Chargers capped off the month of December 4-0 and ran their win streak in the month of December to 14 games.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Chargers Ticket Prices Unchanged For 2009



The good news for Chargers fans is that their tickets aren't going up. The bad news is that the team is already looking ahead to next season!

The San Diego Chargers announced today that there will be no increase in season ticket prices for the 2009 Chargers season. Regular season ticket prices start at $48 per game and Club seat ticket prices start at $140 per game--unchanged from 2008.

The Chargers also announced that the team is lowering the price on approximately 1,300 tickets in 2009. These seats will be set aside in expanded "Family Sections." The season ticket price in the Family Sections will be just $48 per game, and the consumption of alcohol in these special seating sections is strictly prohibited.

"We have listened to the many fans who are interested in bringing their family and sitting in the Family Section," said Chargers Executive Vice President A.G. Spanos. "With these changes for 2009, the Chargers will now have one of the largest designated family areas in the NFL."

A list of formidable opponents next season is sure to attract the fans' interest. The Chargers' 2009 home schedule includes games against Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cincinnati and the corresponding finisher in the AFC East, along with AFC West rivals Denver, Kansas City and Oakland.

For information on season tickets for the 2009 season, call 877-CHARGERS, go to www.chargers.com or stop by the Chargers' ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, open Monday through Friday from 8-5 pm.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Chargers Tickets Still Available


--2,000 tickets available for next two home games--

The Chargers’ streak of 35 consecutive regular-season and postseason home games shown on live local television is in jeopardy. More than 2,000 tickets remain available for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at Qualcomm Stadium. Kickoff is Sunday at 1:05 pm. All general tickets must be sold 72 hours prior to kickoff for NFL games to be televised live locally.

In addition, an equal number of tickets are available for the Chargers’ nationally-televised home game versus the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night, Dec. 4.

Tickets are available online at http://www.chargers.com/; the Chargers Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium (Gate C), or by calling TicketMaster at 619-220-TIXS (8497).

If a sellout is announced, the game will be shown live on Fox 5 in San Diego and Fox 11 in Los Angeles. Matt Vasgersian and J.C. Pearson will call the action.

The radio broadcast can be heard in San Diego on KIOZ Rock 105.3 FM and XTRA Sports 1360 AM in San Diego and KLAC 570 AM in Los Angeles. Josh Lewin and Hank Bauer call the action from the booth and Jim Laslavic reports from the sideline. Jorge Villanueva, Adrian Garcia and Efren Dominguez call the game in Spanish on XHFG 107.3 FM in San Diego and KWKW 1330 AM in Los Angeles.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bolts Add Veteran RB Bennett


The Chargers added depth to their offensive backfield Wednesday as they signed veteran running back Michael Bennett.

Bennett (5-9, 207), an eighth-year pro, has rushed for 3,627 yards and has a career average of 4.4 yards per carry. He has appeared in 94 games and started 50 during stints with Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota. With 151 career receptions, Bennett has also proven himself to be a capable receiver out of the backfield.

After a stellar collegiate career at Wisconsin, where he was teammates with Chargers wide receiver Chris Chambers, Bennett was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2002 after rushing for 1,296 yards.

Bennett spent the first five years of his career in Minnesota before signing with the Chiefs prior to the 2006 season. Midway through the 2007 campaign, he was to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers released Bennett Tuesday so the club could activate Carnell “Cadillac” Williams from the “Reserve-Physically Unable to Perform” list.

In order to make room for Bennett on the Bolts’ 53-man roster, the club released linebacker Derek Smith.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Cottrell Out, Rivera In As Defensive Coordinator


The San Diego Chargers announced today that Inside Linebackers Coach Ron Rivera has been named the team’s new defensive coordinator following the termination of Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell.

Rivera is in his second season in San Diego after spending the previous three seasons (2004-06) as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears. In 2006, the Bears finished fifth in overall defense, third in scoring defense and led the NFL with 44 takeaways on their way to appearing in Super Bowl XLI.

Cottrell was on the Chargers’ staff in 2007-08.


Tuesday, September 9, 2008

MERRIMAN TO HAVE SURGERY, MISS REMAINDER OF THE SEASON


I just received this news release from the Chargers. I understand and respect Shawne Merriman's desire to play through pain, but it's something else entirely to play through injury.

I just wonder, though, if the Chargers are totally pleased with Merriman's decision or if they had rather he made this decision during training camp.


San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman informed the team today that he has decided to have surgery on his knee and will miss the remainder of the 2008 season.

“Shawne informed me he did not feel right (on the field) and thought it best to shut it down,” said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. “The road to winning the AFC West just got more difficult, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. Shawne is a great player and an inspirational leader. He will be missed. We wish him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.”

The Chargers are expected to place Merriman on “Reserve-Injured” later this week.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Go Check Out Charger Girls As They Unveil Their 2008-09 Swimsuit Calendar


WHAT: The Charger Girls, the hottest dance team in the NFL, will unveil their 2008-09 Swimsuit Calendar. A portion of all proceeds from the calendar sales will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.

The calendar was shot on location at scenic points in and around San Diego by Chargers team photographer Mike Nowak. The Charger Girls swimwear was provided exclusively by Sauvage. The styling for the Charger Girls was provided by E FACTOR salon & spa.




WHEN: Thursday, September 4

7 pm, VIP Reception
7:45 pm, Official unveiling
9-10 pm, Open to the public

WHERE: Universal
1202 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
619-692-1900



Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Merriman To Play Despite Two Torn Knee Ligaments

I have to admit, I am a bit shocked by this announcement. I do not know Shawne Merriman personally, nor do I cover the Chargers on a regular basis. So I don't have any inside information as to what led up to this decision. However, I am an expert on knee injuries, having undergone 3 of them myself.

I just find it hard to imagine Merriman being able to play effectively on such an unstable knee. Football is all about speed and force, making your knees two of your most valuable assests.

Here's hoping that Merriman is not only making the right decision, but that his knee holds up to the pressure and expectations.


Jay Glazer

FOXSports.com


It appears the Chargers will have their main defensive lightning bolt after all.

Pro Bowl defensive end Shawne Merriman has informed the team that he will play this season despite having two torn knee ligaments, Merriman told FOXSports.com.


"I know what's at stake," Merriman said Wednesday. "But I had a goal with the team before the season started, and I'm sticking to it."


When asked how sure he was about playing, Merriman replied, "100 percent."


Merriman has a torn PCL and LCL in his left knee, but has postponed the surgery necessary to deal with those issues. He sought the opinion of several noted specialists in the last week. While all of them recommended surgery, the decision was ultimately left to the player.


"I'm putting the surgery off until I need it," he said.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8495712/Merriman-to-play-despite-2-torn-ligaments


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

ANTONIO GATES AMONG NFL PLAYERS LEADING NFL PLAY 60 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Campaign Helps Kids Get Moving As Part of Youth Health and Fitness Campaign

DREW BREES and ELI MANNING are used to calling plays on the field. This season, they also will be helping kids call the shots when it comes to their health as part of the NFL’s new public service announcements. Joined by Chargers tight end ANTONIO GATES, the players are working with youngsters as part of NFL PLAY 60: The NFL Movement for an Active Generation, which focuses on the health and wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning of the New York Giants filmed his PSA with children from the St. Vincent’s Hospital system during a special visit to the Meadowlands in New York. Manning treated his guests to a tour of the Giants locker room and home field, and then helped them get active through warm-ups and a series of football drills.

“The health and fitness of our youth continues to be a priority for the NFL, and it’s important to me,” said New Orleans Saints quarterback Brees, who took to the water to film his PSA accompanied by 30 children from local hospitals. The annual “Brees on the Seas” fishing event, organized by the Brees Dream Foundation, enabled children to fish with Brees and his teammates and explore the great outdoors in Louisiana. The day culminated in a game of backyard football.

Vikings Pro Bowl player Adrian Peterson joined his teammates and 40 Special Olympians for his PSA at a special Punt, Pass and Kick event. The event was made possible by the Vikings and Peterson's All-Day Foundation. After watching the Vikings practice, the Special Olympians got the chance to take the field themselves, practicing drills with Peterson and participating in the PPK competition.

Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL’s long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations — Action for Healthy Kids, Ad Council, American Heart Association, Gatorade, Home Depot, Kellogg’s, National Dairy Council, Nickelodeon, Nike, United Way, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to these national PSAs produced by NFL Films, PLAY 60 also will be implemented locally as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs, from youth football to “What Moves U.”

This season’s new United Way NFL messages also focus on youth health and fitness. SANTANA MOSS of the Washington Redskins, BOB SANDERS of the Indianapolis Colts, and DONTE WHITNER of the Buffalo Bills all get physically fit with kids and emphasize the importance of good health. The United Way PSAs debut on August 14.

Other players involved in NFL Play 60 include: ADRIAN PETERSON (Minnesota Vikings); GARY BAXTER (Cleveland Browns); TOM BRADY (New England Patriots); REGGIE BUSH (New Orleans Saints); ROBERTO GARZA (Chicago Bears); STEVEN JACKSON (St. Louis Rams), and TONY ROMO and JASON WITTEN (Dallas Cowboys). New York Jets COACH ERIC MANGINI is the official “coach motivator” for PLAY 60. His online messages on NFLRUSH.com will encourage kids to get and stay healthy.

“We are taking a leadership role in the movement to get youngsters fit. Our players know the importance of staying healthy and it’s important that young fans also understand the value of exercise,” said COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL. “Play 60 is an important tool in ensuring that children get their necessary daily physical activity as recommended by health and fitness experts.”

Kids and parents can learn more on NFLRUSH.com.


# # #

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Chargers FanFest FREE on Saturday


Chargers FanFest ’08 at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, August 2 will be a special day for kids of all ages and, best of all, it’s free.

The parking lot gates open at 8:00 am and the stadium gates open at 9:30 am. Players and Charger Girls will be greeting fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures at the autograph session sponsored by See’s Candies from 10:15-11 am.

At FanFest – presented by Bud Light – parking and admission are free, and kids 14-and-under can shake hands and get an autograph from the 2007 AFC West Champion Chargers. And fans should bring an appetite because hot dogs and sodas will cost just $1 each. Other fun activities for kids include temporary tattoos, balloon animals and a variety of fun surprises.

Fans will enjoy the rare opportunity to see an NFL practice from 11am - 1pm. The latest in Chargers merchandise, including jerseys, hats and shirts, will be available at the Chargers Team Store.

Fans can find more information by going to http://www.chargers.com/ or calling (858) 874-4500.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Castillo Signs New 7-year Contract

The Chargers haven't always been the best organization when it comes to making personnel decisions, especially ones centering on their own players. However, things may be changing in San Diego.

The deal is basically a 5-year extension to his current deal. He is guaranteed $17.5 million and could possibly earn as much as $43 million.


The Chargers have signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a new seven-year contract that will keep him in San Diego through the 2014 season. Castillo's original rookie contract was set to expire after the 2009 season.


"Since his arrival, Luis has played a huge role in the success we've had as a defense," Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. "He's an ascending player who is committed to getting better. We're thrilled that he'll be a Charger for years to come."

Castillo was the second of the Chargers' two first-round draft picks in 2005. In three NFL seasons, he's played in 36 games and started 33. Lauded for his strength, quickness and athleticism, the Northwestern University grad has posted 13 career sacks, including a career-high seven in 2006.

For more information on Castillo's signing, log on to Chargers.com.