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Monday, Mar 18, 2024

Conejo Leads Search for Rams’ HQ

The search for a site where the L.A. Rams can establish a permanent headquarters has begun, and the City of Thousand Oaks is in the running. On Nov. 2, city officials met with the NFL franchise to discuss what the team needs, including fields, training facilities and office space. The Rams currently practice at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and maintain business offices in Agoura Hills. However, both contracts will end in the next two to three years, and ideally, the team’s lasting home will be ready by then. As for game days, the franchise’s $2 billion Inglewood stadium is slated for completion around the same time in 2019. Until then, home games are held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. “The search (for permanent headquarters) will begin where we are now, in the Conejo Valley,” Rams’ spokesperson Joanna Hunter wrote in an email to the Business Journal. “It’s our priority to evaluate opportunity here.” No timeline has been announced for the search, and after Thousand Oaks, the team will explore other places throughout Southern California, according to Hunter. She said the Rams are looking for about 50 acres to centralize operations and mentioned the new space could incorporate retail development. Thousand Oaks Economic Development Manager Haider Alawami said the initial meeting with the franchise went very well. “The City Council working with the Rams on a permanent location is one of the top priorities for 2016 and 2017,” he said. The team will finalize specifications for its headquarters over the next several months, and after that, the city plans to meet with the Rams again for further discussions, according to Alawami. “With a $200 million payroll, the Rams are a great addition economically for the City of Thousand Oaks,” said Alawami. “Having NFL-organization personnel and players training, living and shopping here – not only in Thousand Oaks but in the Conejo Valley as well – is a win-win for everybody.” – Stephanie Henkel

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