Documenting Snapdragon Stadium
Building a Legacy: Documenting Snapdragon Stadium's Construction
In late 2020, I found myself standing in front of the old Jack Murphy Stadium. The insides were already being gutted but the outside still stood strong. I was tasked with capturing the last days of where the Chargers used to play and the beginnings of what would become Snapdragon Stadium.
Over the next two years, I returned each week with my camera in hand to document the process of turning one stadium into a parking lot and a parking lot into a state-of-the-art sports venue.
My photos were part of a 360-degree marketing campaign designed to engage San Diegans and build excitement for the grand opening in 2022. Along with my photos, I’d also capture social content on my phone and bring a videographer with me every few weeks to record the progress.
This project gave me a front-row seat to moments most people never get to see—construction workers balancing on beams high above the ground, sparks flying as welders worked up close, and rows of stadium seats being installed, ready to hold thousands of cheering fans. It wasn’t just about capturing the progress; it was about celebrating the incredible people and effort that brought the stadium to life.
What I loved most about this project was how rare it was. It’s not every day you get to spend two years documenting something grow from the ground up. I’d love to find another project like this someday—a chance to tell a story over time through my photos.
I also loved getting to know the construction workers. Their skill, ingenuity, and dedication were incredible. This experience opened my eyes to the incredible mix of art, engineering, science, and manpower that goes into a project of this scale. It’s easy to take buildings for granted, but standing on-site every week, watching each beam go up and each bolt fasten, gave me a deep appreciation for the work behind the walls.
Snapdragon Stadium is so much more than just a building—it’s a testament to creativity and teamwork. I feel very lucky that I got to play a small part in its story and capture the hands that brought it to life.
