More than 4,600 Chargers fans pledged to be designated drivers at Qualcomm Stadium during the Challenge between San Diego and Denver. The teams devised a points system to compare progress and the Chargers won handily, earning a luncheon Friday.
Representatives from the Chargers, Centerplate, the California Highway Patrol, Anheuser-Busch and TEAM Coalition gathered for the celebration.
“Our fans deserve the credit for making our designated-driver program successful,” Chargers Executive Vice President A.G. Spanos said. “We have great fans in San Diego who help us create a safe, family-friendly experience at Qualcomm Stadium.”
The designated-driver program is just one component of the fan behavior initiatives offered by the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. More than 1,000 employees that operate at Qualcomm are certified in effective alcohol management training.
Each fan is limited to two alcoholic beverages per transaction in the first half and one in the third quarter. There is no alcohol service in the seating area after halftime and the service policy includes ID checks for all fans.
“We commend the Chargers and all the designated-driver program partners at Qualcomm Stadium for creating a unique incentive to bring the Chargers and their fans together to make the responsible decision to designate a driver,” California Highway Patrol Border Division Chief Jim Abele said.
A spokesperson from Anheuser-Busch and Centerplate commended fans who look out for one another and those who created the program for encouraging a safe fan experience that empowers people to make smart choices on game days.
Executive Director of TEAM Coalition Jill Pepper applauded the teamwork of multiple organizations involved with the initiative as well as Chargers fans.
“Through the Designated Driver Challenge, we are demonstrating that win everyone – including the fans – takes responsibility, everyone wins,” Pepper said.
