By the Numbers
1960 – Los Angeles Chargers founded (moved to SD the next year)
1967 – First year the Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium (then San Diego Stadium)
71,500 – Seating capacity of Qualcomm Stadium
1990 – Year the Charger Girls were formed
28 – Charger Girls in current squad
2,500 – Number of nonprofits the Chargers supported in SD County last year
Back in the Sixties, Charger cheerleaders were just local high school groups, rotating around the field at Balboa Stadium during home games. But by the time this photograph was taken, the Chargettes were a full-fledged squad performing at San Diego Stadium. The photo above shows the 4 p.m. game on November 13, 1977. The team, which included quarterback James Harris, running back Bo Matthews, and kicker—and La Jolla High School alum—Rolf Benirschke, played its best against the Denver Broncos (even though the Broncos won, 17–14).
The Chargettes’ pleated skirts were short, but compared to today’s midriff-baring uniforms, they were relatively modest. (We love the neckerchiefs!)
The year after this photo was taken, the squad would be disbanded, in part because a few of the women had posed for Playboy. But those Chargers’ girls would be back—with visions of the Super Bowl.
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Vintage San Diego: Holiday Cheer
