Los Angeles May Not Have An NFL Team, But It Does Have Three Shiny Stadium Designs

Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) has released renderings from three architecture firms. AEG will select one to move forward with in the "next month." There are, of course, 100 things that might hinder this timeline, but for now, let's just ooh and ah.

Earlier this month, Magic Johnson announced that he will team up with AEG owner Phil Anschutz and former Timberwolves CEO Tim Leiweke to bring an NFL team to Los Angeles. The news came about a month after Magic dropped his Lakers shares and sold 105 Starbucks stores, and around the same time sources reported that Anschutz had bought a 35% stake in the San Diego Chargers. The latter is apparently not true, but these new designs at least represent a renewed commitment to LA's NFL cause — and one not tied up in fantasy Entourage storylines. Local real estate magnate Ed Roski is also interested in pursuing development in Industry, Calif., 15 miles outside of downtown LA.

AEG selected three finalists to submit designs: HKS (Texas Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium), HNTB (Invesco Field), and Gensler (a lot of very nice clubs and hotels in Los Angeles). Almost immediately after holding a press conference today, AEG introduced a very flashy website (what's this about coming at "no financial burden for the community," anyways?) and also declared that the renderings will likely change soon. Los Angeles reporters expect as much: one told Curbed Los Angeles that the press conference felt "like groundhog day."

Hopeful LA NFL fans have witnessed this process many times since 1994, and this year's outlook isn't entirely promising. For one thing, the proposed site (next to the Staples Center) would cost an estimated $1 billion to build on. There's also that pesky labor dispute that is kind of a priority for the NFL brass right now, even if Commissioner Roger Goodell is expressing undue optimism on the matter.

But, maybe. And if not the Chargers, the Vikings have good reason to make this move. 2011 is the final year of their lease with the Metrodome, which, well, has lost some of its luster recently.

AEG reveals proposed designs for downtown L.A. football stadium [LA Times] Artist renderings: Three proposals for a downtown L.A. football stadium [LA Times]

[H/T Dakota]