Melvin Gordon says he is prepared for empty NFL stadiums: Chargers 'didn't have fans anyway'
by Joe RiveraIf the Chargers score a touchdown, but there's no one around to see it, did it actually happen?
In aninterview with Marcus Cromartie, former Chargers running back and current Bronco Melvin Gordon may have answered the question. When Marcus Cromartie asked if Gordon will be prepared to playin stadiums where no fans are present due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gordon said that his former team prepared him for the situation.
"Bro, we didn't have fans anyway," Gordon quips. "Man, we didn't have many Charger fans — man, I'll be honest — we didn't have many Charger fans at the game. Much loyalty, love. But we didn't have many. So I'm not missing — I ain't really missing out on much."
MORE: Here are the new rules for the NFL in 2020
To Gordon's point, the Chargers ranked dead last in the NFL in attendance in 2019, drawing an average of just over 31,000 fans per game. In their defense, that's at capacity, though, as their last digs didn't have the 70,000 to 80,000-plus seating capacityof mostNFL stadiumsthese days. Though, L.A. has come under fire for ditching San Diego and leaving their loyal fan base behind in the process.
In 2020, the plan is to move into SoFi Stadium, which could see attendance figures skyrocket — if L.A.fans show up. SoFi Stadium, which will be shared with the Rams, has the seating to allow for up to 100,000 for special events with normal gamedays allowing for 70,000 fans.
Still,the amount of Chargers fans in the building in 2019 were seemingly minimal, with one of the most glaring examples a Los Angeles "home" game vs. the Raiders in December 2019, when (now) Las Vegas fans hijacked the Chargers' home field.
Well, if nothing else, at least the Chargers have sweet-ass uniforms heading into the 2020 season . Even if no one will be around to see them.