BOLT FROM BLUE
Inside LA Chargers’ newly-opened $270m ‘Bolt’ HQ over 14 acres which includes three full-sized practice fields
The dining space has been created in partnership with Wolfgang Puck Catering
THE Los Angeles Chargers have unveiled their stunning $270 million new HQ – which includes a unique helmet-shaped pizza oven.
Known as the 'Bolt', the state-of-the-art NFL facility encompasses 150,000 square feet and includes three full-sized grass practice fields.
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The new building comes with the arrival of new general manager Joe Hoertiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh in the offseason.
It has been more than three years in development.
Located in El Segundo, California, the entrance features the Chargers' version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Each member of the team's Hall of Fame is honored with their own terrazzo tile and brass inlay.
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It was designed by the same company that installs displays on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"It's a small way to say 'thank you' to the greats that played for our team over the last 60-plus years," Chargers owner Dean Spanos said.
"It's the first thing you see when you come into this building which really, to me, says that this is the foundation of our team."
The giant atrium at the entrance is highlighted by a three-story Samsung ISC Indoor LED video wall.
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Meanwhile, the ground floor includes an expansive locker room, equipment room, training & medical space, weight room, hydrotherapy room, recovery room, sauna, and steam room.
The locker room is almost double the size of the team's old space.
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There is also a barber's area, multiple player lounges, a lap/rehab pool and an outdoor lounge featuring a BBQ, firepit and full sun outdoor televisions.
The second floor is home to an expansive team dining room and kitchen that has been created in partnership with Wolfgang Puck Catering.
It notably features a pizza oven designed to look like a Chargers helmet.
In addition, there is a carvery, smoothie and coffee bars, pasta station, Grill station, stand-alone island salad bar and rotating daily Global fare station.
The new dining space comes with the Chargers being ranked 31st out of the 32 NFL teams for food/cafeteria in an NFLPA Survey.
The Chargers also received low ranks in multiple categories including training room (30th), weight room (29th) and locker room (27th).
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"Well, I paid a lot of attention to it," Chargers chief of staff Fred Maas told ESPN about the survey.
"We also knew that we were constrained by the building that we were stuck with and the circumstances we were stuck with.
"And we always wanted to build a world-class facility irrespective of what the ratings were.
"Frankly, I was surprised we did as well as we did. We were 31st of the 32 teams.
"So it's not surprising given the circumstances."
The top floor features a soon-to-be-completed private, members-only club with wrap-around outdoor view balcony, lounge, dining area and private dining room.
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It also serves as the hub for all executive and business staff offices.
"I haven't been this excited in a long time," Spanos added.
"This took a lot of time and a lot of hard work, and I just feel fortunate that our staff, players and fans will be able to enjoy this for years to come."
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The Bolt will open its doors to the public on July 13-14.
The Chargers expect the facility will be used for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.