The Chargers are set to host the Denver Broncos tonight in what is perhaps the most-anticipated local game of the National Football League season, which should cause heavy traffic congestion in Mission Valley.
The AFC West rivals are now led by quarterback Peyton Manning, a surefire Hall of Famer when he retires, but someone who has struggled in his career against the Bolts. He has lost five of his last six contests against the Chargers, throwing 15 interceptions compared to 11 touchdowns.
The Monday Night Football game, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., will be televised live in Southern California. There was a slight chance last week that the Chargers would fall afoul of the NFL's blackout rules, but they announced Friday that enough tickets had been sold for the contest at Qualcomm Stadium to be aired locally.
The players will be decked out in their powder blue uniforms, and the team is asking fans going to the game to dress accordingly.
Golfer Phil Mickelson is scheduled to try a 100-yard shot at halftime in a fundraiser for First Book, a nonprofit that provides reading material for needy children.
The charity will win $1 million, or 400,000 books, if the San Diego native can hit a target from the other end of the field. If his ball lands on one of two outer rings, First Book will receive $50,000 or $100,000.
Commuters can expect heavy afternoon traffic in Mission Valley.
For those going to the game, the Metropolitan Transit System plans to increase Green Line trolley service between Old Town and the stadium beginning at 12:45 p.m. Extra trains will be available in both directions when the game ends, according to the MTS.
The North County Transit District will run a special northbound Coaster train that will leave the Old Town station 75 minutes following the game end.
