Bolt Up: Unleashing the Passion & Dedication of LA Chargers Fans

What it Means to be a Los Angeles Chargers Super Fan

Los Angeles is America’s entertainment capital and at the same time America’s political flashpoint. It is the country’s second largest city and at the same time it’s second most expensive place to live. It is all at once known for sleek, modern architecture and urban decay. Needless to say, Los Angeles is a city of dualities, and so too is the story of the LA Chargers. Playing their inaugural season as the Los Angeles Chargers back in 1960, the team moved to their longtime home in San Diego in 1961, spending 56 consecutive seasons there before moving back to LA in 2017. This move, though a technical homecoming, was seen as controversial by Chargers fans and foes alike. Settling into their seventh season in the City of Angels in 2023, the Chargers are forging ahead into a new era, bringing with them their diehard fans and attracting new loyalties along the way.

It’s been said that time heals all wounds, and thus is the case for the duality of the LA chargers super fan. Loyalty is the hallmark of their love of the franchise, even in a league (and world for that matter) where the only constant is change. In a new stadium and with a recent string of successful seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers are seeing a resurgence of attendance and support in their new home.

Los Angeles Chargers Fans on Gameday

In 2022, the average attendance for Chargers home games at SoFi Stadium was in the top third of the league, a clear sign that Chargers fans are settling into their new home in LA. Host to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI, the Chargers home field SoFi Stadium is a modern marvel and appropriate home for the ascending franchise. Add to the equation a surging offense, led by quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, LA Chargers fans have good reason for optimism heading into the future.

Is a Super Bowl victory in the cards for this new Chargers team? Many fans seem to think so. Often considered the best NFL franchise to never win a Super Bowl, a victory on the league’s biggest stage would be earth shattering for this new Chargers team. Having only one Super Bowl appearance as the San Diego Chargers back in 1995, which they lost to the San Francisco 49ers, the LA Chargers hypothetical journey to a future Super Bowl would be historic and ultimate vindication for Chargers superfans.

Like the weather in sunny Los Angeles, Chargers fans are known for being warm and steadfast. With 20 overall playoff appearances and 15 division championships under their belt, Chargers fans are no strangers to the fickle reality of Super Bowl aspirations. Even still, the Chargers fan base stands optimistically by their team, knowing that fortune flavors not only the bold but the loyal as well.

 

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Memorable Moments in Los Angeles Chargers Fandom

Out of the gates the Chargers were an innovative franchise. First founded in the American Football League in 1959, the Chargers got off to a quick start under Hall of Fame head coach Sid Gillman. The Gillman years were enthralling for fans, characterized by a high scoring down field offense, featuring record breaking performances by receiver Lance “Bambi” Alworth, paving a new path for offensive strategy across the league.

Building on this tradition, Don Coryell stepped into the head coaching position in 1978 and implemented a pass-heavy offense later referred to as the “Coryell offense” or “vertical offense” that forever changed the way football is played in the NFL. In this era, the Chargers lead the league in passing yards for six consecutive seasons and to this day, fans remember Coryell’s Chargers as one of the most exciting passing teams in NFL history.

In the 1990s, under head coach Bobby Ross, the Chargers developed a reputation with fans for resilience after becoming the first team to bounce back from an 0-4 record to make the playoffs in 1992. In 1994, the Chargers saw their first and only Super Bowl appearance, led by quarterback Stan Humphries and defensive powerhouse linebacker Junior Seau, defensive tackles Reuben Davis and Shawn Lee and defensive end Leslie O’Neal.

In the early 2000’s the Chargers saw a boom in playoff appearances, making it to the postseason in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Chargers would later go on to make the playoffs in 2013, 2018 and 2022. Under the leadership of new head coach Brandon Staley, and with surging support from fans both new and old, the LA Chargers are poised for success in upcoming seasons.

Famous Los Angeles Chargers Fans

 

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Being situated in the entertainment capital of the world, it’s no surprise the Los Angeles Chargers have a cadre of celebrity fans. Notable fans include comedian superstar Kevin Hart, actors Mario Lopez, and Nick Cannon, former governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and UFC fighters Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. As sure as the sun shines on the City of Angels, the red carpet runs right up to SoFi Stadium.