(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.
My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is Q.)

San Diego has two important ‘Q’s’ — QUALCOMM, Inc. and Qualcomm Stadium.

QUALCOMM, Inc. is a local telecommunication company founded by Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs. The company is an innovator in chip technology and 3G and 4G wireless technologies, among other things. QUALCOMM, Inc. is the 9th largest employer in San Diego, and is actually the largest employer when you eliminate the government, schools, and hospitals. QUALCOMM consistently places on lists of top companies, and best companies to work for.

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Qualcomm Stadium with Blue Angels Navy Jets Overhead
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Qualcomm Stadium, affectionately called The ‘Q’, is the home of the San Diego Chargers and San Diego State Aztecs football teams. It hosts the Holiday Bowl and the Poinsettia Bowl college football games every December.

The ‘Q’ was built in 1967, and has been expanded and renovated several times. The seating capacity for football games now is 70,561. Qualcomm Stadium is located in Mission Valley, just a little west of the Mission San Diego de Alcala, alongside the San Diego River.

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San Diego Chargers Play-off Game at The ‘Q’
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The stadium was originally named San Diego Stadium. When Jack Murphy, a local sports-writer, and advocate for building the stadium died in 1980, Mayor Pete Wilson and the City Council voted to rename it San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. The voters officially approved the name change later that year.

After a renovation in 1997, the name changed again. QUALCOMM, Inc. agreed to pay the City $18 million to complete the expansion project. In return the name changed to Qualcomm Stadium. The current naming rights deal expires in 2017.

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The ‘Q’
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Chances are, if you are an American sports fan, you’ve seen The ‘Q’. San Diego has hosted three Super Bowls — in 1988, 1998, and 2003. And the World Series in 1984 and 1998 were also played there. Not to mention Monday Night Football.

I grew up in a neighborhood just above the San Diego Stadium. When I was a kid, the site of the stadium was still a farm. They sold fresh farm-grown corn and strawberries in season. But it was stinky down there! My strongest memory is the smell of cow manure wafting through the open windows of our un-air-conditioned car if we drove down that hill.

When we lived in the Philippines, we tried to watch the Super Bowl games on TV. Usually it meant getting up at an indecently early hour, because of the timezone difference. Bill watched for the football. I was excited when the Super Bowl was in San Diego. The best part was when the camera angle would go to an aerial view, and I could catch a glimpse of my childhood neighborhood. I eagerly soaked in the scenery, and for a minute I felt like I was home.

Donna Amis DavisSan DiegoSan Diego A to Z(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is Q.) San Diego has two important...Author of the '60s SURF SHOP MYSTERIES and DIVE SHACK MYSTERIES