San Diego, CA- Ground has officially broken.

This morning, San Diego State University held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the university’s Mission Valley stadium site takeover, and the launch of a new era for the San Diego region.

This is an historic day for SDSU and the city.

SDSU Mission Valley will transform before our eyes in the months and years to come.  An endless sea of dying asphalt surrounding an old concrete monolith known once as Jack Murphy Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium and most recently SDCCU Stadium will soon be reborn.  The Mission Valley campus expansion and a new Aztec Stadium will breathe new life into the valley, and grant SDSU what it has so desperately needed for so long: growth.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre told those in attendance “Today marks a milestone moment for San Diego State University and the City of San Diego. With today’s groundbreaking we begin the work to expand SDSU’s educational, research, and entrepreneurial missions. SDSU Mission Valley also addresses the realities of the past few months and the need for new streams of revenue to support higher education opportunities for all.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and as the stadium site is now an active construction site, the event was closed to the general public. The number of in-person speakers and invited guests was restricted to be in full compliance with the county’s public health guidelines. Prior to the groundbreaking event, SDSU organizers consulted closely with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency to ensure guidelines were observed.

SDSU invited San Diego communities and the campus to virtually participate in the milestone occasion via livestream.

Tom McCarron, SDSU’s senior vice president for SDSU Mission Valley, kicked off the event expressing his gratitude. He acknowledged the collective years-long efforts of all those involved in the project, from conception to realization for their critical and steadfast support.

“This is truly a momentous day in the history of our university and the city of San Diego,” McCarron said. “Today we celebrate the commencement of construction of SDSU Mission Valley, Aztec Stadium, and the River Park.”

In addition to exciting land development, the project will be transformational for the community. SDSU Mission Valley should expand the university’s economic impact in the region by $3 billion annually.

“What happens on the ground right here, beneath our feet will elevate San Diego State and elevate San Diego in ways that we can’t possibly imagine,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “San Diegans should take great satisfaction in knowing that the future of this land is finally set as a place where education, athletics, and the community will thrive side by side for generations to come.”

California State University Board of Trustees Member Jack McGrory thanked Mayor Faulconer and all those involved in the success of the project. McGrory also gave mention to the rich history of the stadium site and the bright future.

“Today is a celebration of higher education and community,” McGrory said. “For 55 years we have enjoyed this fabulous place, this ocean of asphalt and concrete that is visible from outer space. Today we take the first steps in transforming this place into a center of knowledge and engagement.”

Upon breaking ground, one of the first major construction projects to undergo development, in addition to the River Park, will be the highly anticipated Aztec Stadium, which is scheduled for completion in Fall 2022.

“We are building a stadium for Aztec football, international and professional soccer, concerts, and any other event you can think of,” said SDSU Athletic Director John David Wicker. “A world class 35,000-capacity stadium designed to offer the amenities fans expect today. This is the most important sports and entertainment venue in San Diego since Petco Park and will be 365 days a year use for campus and our community.”

SDSU Mission Valley will create new educational experiences, foster research, advance technology, facilitate internships, and provide new educational opportunities. The outcome of this expansion will allow the university to increase enrollment by up to 15,000 students.

The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with the participants taking part in a ceremonial first “shovel in the ground.”

While this was not the groundbreaking event originally envisioned, the community was able to join together online to honor this significant achievement.

Construction will begin in earnest by Clark Construction with grading and infrastructure work, the stadium, and the River Park. Clark Construction is expected to employ an estimated 3,500 to 5,550 workers through both the stadium and site development.

The Aztec Nation congratulates SDSU on its historic first step into major expansion!