Southland leaders were understandably jubilant with news that the Rams will be returning to Southern California, with political leaders hailing the decision by NFL owners to end a two-decade absence.
“This is a win-win situation for Los Angeles County, potentially having not just one but two NFL teams move into the Second District — something I’ve been working for since my days at the L.A. City Council,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said. “Beyond pro football, this will bring jobs, economic development and many other benefits to Inglewood and the surrounding communities.”
A host of politicians took to Twitter Tuesday to express their support for the Inglewood project.
“The ruling on the field is confirmed: The NFL is coming back to LA,” Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Los Angeles, wrote. “Happy that this long drive was successful.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote his Twitter page, calling Tuesday “a great day for LA.”
In a statement, Garcetti said the decision “cements (Los Angeles) as the epicenter of the sports world.”
“We cannot wait to welcome the Rams, and perhaps others soon, as they join a stories lineup of professional franchises, collegiate powerhouses and sports media companies,” Garcetti said. “With the return of the NFL, there is yet another reason for visitors to come to Los Angeles, and for Angelenos to love calling this city home. I look forward to seeing the players out on the field.”
City Councilman Mitch Englander posted on his Twitter account a picture of himself as a boy sporting a Rams collared shirt.
“Rams coming back!” he wrote, joking that the shirt still fits him.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe called the decision a victory for Inglewood and the county’s 10 million residents.
“As a long-time Rams fan, going back to the days of watching them take the field at the Coliseum, I am excited to see them come back,” Knabe said. “Having become a Chargers fan after the departure of the Rams, if they ultimately decide to come to Los Angeles, it will be a win-win for Los Angeles County and we will welcome them with open arms.”
— From Staff and Wire Reports