San Diego, CA. – San Diego Padres Managing Partner Peter Seidler, who has spent the better part of the last two years and a considerable amount of money backing the SoccerCity initiative, has issued a news release relating to his continued support of SoccerCity.
While I financially and conceptionally backed Soccer City in 2016 and early 2017 based on my reasoned assumption that SDSU leadership, San Diego political leadership and Soccer City would collaborate on a modern stadium, it both surprised and disappointed me that common ground could not be foundPeter Seidler, SoccerCity Investor
In the release Seidler writes, “I have been ‘neutral’ on both proposed developments and related ballot measures for the past 16 months. While I financially and conceptionally backed Soccer City in 2016 and early 2017 based on my reasoned assumption that SDSU leadership, San Diego political leadership and Soccer City would collaborate on a modern stadium, it both surprised and disappointed me that common ground could not be found.” Seidler continued, “I remain hopeful that a family-friendly facility will be built that benefits all San Diegans; however, my view on the two competing initiatives will remain ‘neutral.'”
Seidler’s SoccerCity Contributions
The first sentence in Mr. Seidler’s statement does raise some legitimate questions: “I have been ‘neutral’ on both proposed developments and related ballot measures for the past 16 months,” Seidler writes, but according to campaign finance reports filed with the City Clerks Office, he was supporting the SoccerCity effort not two months ago.
Here is a screenshot from that form:
The report clearly shows 2018 donations at $231, 613.00 including $25, 375.00 as recently as June 6, 2018. His last reported contribution was June 30, 2018 for $3,329.49.
SoccerCity Website
Though he issued the statement, Seidler is still considered one of the principal investors in SoccerCity, and remains on the groups website as part of “The Team” section:
IVN San Diego has reached out to the SoccerCity campaign for reaction to the statement.
While we did hear from a campaign strategist, we have yet to receive reaction. We will post their comment if we receive.
IVN San Diego did speak to representatives with the Friends of SDSU campaign, they declined comment.
SoccerCity Goes After SDSU and Initiative
While Seidler is clearly edging away from the table, SoccerCity and their communications team continue to get their fill on hitting SDSU.
Former Mayor Jerry Sanders communications head Darren Pudgil, now a communications consultant with SoccerCity, has taken aim at SDSU and the initiative, drawing on a recent San Diego Union-Tribune article that points to a drop in season ticket sales.
As attendance and interest in football locally and nationally continues to decline, should we be spending money that can be used for education to build larger football stadiums as the SDSU West initiative proposes to do? @SoccerCitySD https://t.co/3ejb25Vx5W
— Darren Pudgil (@Pudgil) August 17, 2018
