There are three locations the Chargers have expressed interest in constructing a new stadium on: Mission Valley, downtown and in Chula Vista. In 2006 the Chargers dropped their plan to ask voters to approve a stadium proposal in Mission Valley at the 166 acre Qualcomm Stadium site. The redeveloped site would have been mixed use with retail, housing and a new stadium. Chargers officials decided to abandon the ballot measure because they could not find a development partner willing to risk nearly $800 million in upfront development costs. As of 2009, the Chargers still prefer the Qualcomm Stadium site in Mission Valley because of the land available for a new stadium and transportation infrastructure is already in place. A new mixed-use development that included a 70,000 seat stadium was proposed in early 2009 but was dropped because of costs and legal challenges.

A location along the bay in Chula Vista has been proposed for the site of a new Chargers Stadium. Complicating matters is a power plant that is located at the proposed site. It would have to be shut down in order to have enough land to construct a stadium. As of December 2009, the city and the Chargers have began discussions again of building a stadium downtown, near Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres (MLB). Financing remains the main obstacle blocking construction of a Chargers stadium.

The San Diego Chargers remain committed to the San Diego area, but it is possible the team may look to relocate to Los Angeles if they are unable to construct a stadium. Developer Edward P. Roski Jr. announced plans in 2008 that he would build a stadium in the City of Industry, 20 miles east of Los Angeles, if a team committed to relocating to the area. The Los Angeles market would offer a larger market for the Chargers and more exposure.