After years of anticipation, the Los Angeles Chargers have finally christened their new 150,000-square-foot headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., boasting world-class amenities and a nod to the team's rich legacy.
For seven long years, the Los Angeles Chargers toiled in a temporary facility in Costa Mesa, longing for a permanent home worthy of their NFL status. That wait has finally come to an end with the grand opening of "The Bolt," a state-of-the-art, 150,000-square-foot complex just minutes from LAX, the beach, and SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers broke ground on the project in May 2022 and, two years later, have unveiled a facility that sets a new standard for NFL training and headquarters. Spearheaded by chief of staff Fred Maas, the project is a testament to the team's unwavering commitment to building a culture of excellence.
Spread across 14 acres in El Segundo, "The Bolt" boasts an impressive array of amenities, including three grass practice fields, a lap pool, a spacious locker room accommodating up to 104 players, a weight room featuring both indoor and outdoor sections, and a 173-seat theater-style meeting room.
Players and staff alike will appreciate the newfound space and comfort, with the locker room and lounge area offering twice the room compared to the old facility. The entranceway features a Chargers Walk of Fame, paying homage to iconic players like Junior Seau, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Dan Fouts with terrazzo tiles and bronze inlays.
The facility also houses state-of-the-art office spaces, a testament to the team's commitment to administrative excellence.
Beyond the functional amenities, "The Bolt" embodies the Chargers' brand and identity. Maas personally toured numerous pro and college facilities before selecting the El Segundo location, recognizing its importance in shaping the team's future.
The Chargers also heeded feedback from their players, particularly regarding food quality. Wolfgang Puck Catering now operates the cafeteria, boasting a pizza oven shaped like a Chargers helmet.
"When we started here, it wasn't really the survey that drove us," Maas said. "It was how do we create a world-class facility and a world-class experience for our players, for our executives and for our fans."
The three grass fields were non-negotiable for Maas, prioritizing player safety and flexibility. The weight room boasts a Shop-Vac personally selected by head coach Jim Harbaugh and strength coach Ben Herbert, further emphasizing the attention to detail.
"I was taking a tour with the players and I realized, Joe Alt was 13 when I started this, now he's our first-round pick," Maas said, reflecting on the passage of time and the bright future ahead for the Chargers.
"The Bolt" stands as the first dedicated NFL training facility and headquarters in Los Angeles, solidifying the Chargers' presence in the second-largest media market in the United States. It's a symbol of the team's commitment to building a winning culture and providing the players with the tools they need to succeed on and off the field.
