SAN DIEGO SPORTS
t would be hard to find a city in the United States that is as proud of their sports teams and their sports history as is San Diego, California. Interestingly, although most cities boast primarily professional teams, San Diego has some not only professional but amateur athletic teams that they boost all year long.
The only professional teams at the moment are Major League Baseballâs San Diego Padres, making their home Petco Park in the old downtown. Until the 2016 season, San Diego also played host to the NFLâs San Diego Chargers, but in 2017, the Chargers were moved to Los Angeles, making them the Los Angeles Chargers.
During two separate seasons, the NBA operated teams in the city of San Diego, one from 1967 to 1971, the San Diego Rockets, and from 1978 to 1984, the San Diego Clippers. These teams eventually moved to Houston and Los Angeles respectively.
The American Basketball Association hosted a team in San Diego from 1972 to 1975. First called the Conquistadors, aka âThe Qsââthe name was changed to the San Diego Sails during the 1975 to 1976 season. The team had folded before they campaign was completed.
The pros arenât the only sports outlet that is at home in San Diego. The city has three NCAA universities, Division I San Diego State University Aztecs menâs and the womenâs basketball. These games are played at Viejas Arena. Other prominent Aztec teams include college football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. The University of California at San Diego has the Trenton, members of the NCAA Division II.
The city of San Diego has hosted some prominent sports events. Three NFL Super Bowl championship games have been held at Qualcomm Stadium. Also, two of college footballâs annual bowl games are also held there. These are the Holiday Bowl and the Poinsettia Bowl. Petco Park has also seen the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2099.
Soccer is also a game that is gaining in popularity in the city of San Diego. Qualcomm Stadium is the host of international soccer matches and supercross events. Soccer, American football, and track and field events are also played in Balboa Stadium, the first stadium in the city, built in 1914.
Rugby is also a sport that is quickly growing in the city. The San Diego Breakers, who play in the PRO Rugby competition, play at Torero Stadium in 2016. The USA Stevens, the major rugby event held among international teams, was held in San Diego from 2007 to 2009. Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (RFC) represents San Diego rugby and the home of USA Rugbyâs former captain, Todd Clever. The Western America National Rugby League will also be in San Diego when play begins this year.
San Diego also plays host to some events that are sponsored by not only local groups, but also nationally ranked sports organizations. The Farmerâs Insurance Open Golf Tournament, on the PGA tour, plays at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Torrey Pines was also the site of the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship.