Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers don’t just play football—they build a community. Through a year-round calendar of fan engagement events, the team bridges the gap between players and supporters, creating memorable moments that extend far beyond game days. From youth football clinics to charity meet-and-greets, and from stadium tours to digital Q&As, these events are designed to make every fan—whether a lifelong supporter or a new follower—feel seen and valued. Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers explores the team’s most popular initiatives, how they bring the Chargers community together, and the lasting impact they have on both fans and the franchise.

Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers starts with the team’s signature “Chargers Community Clinics”—free youth football workshops that teach skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork to kids ages 6-14. Held monthly at parks across Los Angeles and Orange Counties, these clinics are led by Chargers players (often offensive and defensive linemen, who excel at teaching fundamentals) and coaches, with support from local high school football teams. At a recent clinic in Carson, California, defensive end Khalil Mack spent two hours teaching kids how to properly line up, execute a basic pass rush, and celebrate plays with respect. “When I was a kid, I never had an NFL player teach me football,” Mack said. “This is my way of giving back—showing them that hard work and respect can take them anywhere.” The clinics also include a “character talk” from a player or team staff member, focusing on topics like perseverance and teamwork, and end with a photo session and autograph signing. For parents like Maria Gonzalez, whose 10-year-old son attended the Carson clinic, the events are priceless: “He came home talking about Khalil all night. Now he wants to practice football every day—and he’s been kinder to his little sister, too. That’s the magic of these clinics.”

Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers focuses on game-day fan experiences at SoFi Stadium—events that turn a regular NFL game into a full-day celebration. Two hours before kickoff, the Chargers host “Chargers Village” outside the stadium: a free, family-friendly zone with live music from local bands, food trucks serving Southern California favorites (like fish tacos and gourmet popcorn), and interactive games (including a 40-yard dash station and a mini football field for kids to play on). Inside the stadium, the team offers “Player Tunnel Experiences,” where a select group of fans (chosen via social media contests or charity auctions) get to stand in the tunnel and high-five players as they run onto the field. At a recent game against the Las Vegas Raiders, 12-year-old Jaden Carter won the experience by writing an essay about why he loves the Chargers. “When Austin Ekeler high-fived me, I thought I was dreaming,” Jaden said. “I’ll never forget that moment.” The Chargers also honor “Community Heroes” during each game—local residents who have made a positive impact (like teachers, first responders, or volunteer coaches)—by inviting them to stand on the sidelines and be recognized on the Jumbotron. These game-day events aren’t just about entertainment; they’re about making fans feel like they’re part of the team’s success.

Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers delves into the team’s digital engagement initiatives—events that connect the Chargers with fans who can’t attend in-person games, whether they live across the country or around the world. Every other week during the season, the Chargers host a “Virtual Fan Q&A” on their YouTube channel, where a player or coach answers questions submitted by fans via social media. In a recent Q&A, quarterback Justin Herbert spent 30 minutes answering questions like “What’s your favorite pre-game meal?” (answer: oatmeal with berries) and “How do you stay calm in the fourth quarter?” (answer: “I focus on one play at a time—trusting my teammates and the game plan”). The team also hosts “Digital Autograph Sessions,” where fans can purchase a personalized autograph from a player (with proceeds going to the Chargers Foundation, which supports local charities) and receive a video message from the player. For fans like Mike Peterson, who lives in Chicago and has been a Chargers fan since the 1990s, these digital events are a lifeline: “I can’t go to SoFi Stadium, but the virtual Q&As make me feel like I’m still part of the Chargers family. Hearing Justin Herbert answer my question was one of the best days of my year.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, digital engagement is a way to expand their community—turning casual fans into lifelong supporters, no matter where they live.

Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers explores the team’s charity-focused fan events—initiatives that bring fans and players together to give back to the Los Angeles community. Each year, the Chargers host “Chargers Charity Walk,” a 5K walk at a local park where fans, players, and staff raise money for the Chargers Foundation (which funds programs for at-risk youth, education, and health care). In 2024, over 2,000 fans participated, raising $150,000 for local schools to buy new sports equipment. Players like Derwin James Jr. walked alongside fans, stopping to take photos and chat about the upcoming season. “Charity work is part of being a Charger,” James said. “Walking with fans and knowing we’re all working toward the same goal—helping kids—makes this job even more special.” The team also hosts “Holiday Toy Drives” during December, where fans can drop off new toys at SoFi Stadium or local Chargers retail stores (with players often stopping by to help collect toys). In 2023, the drive collected over 5,000 toys, which were donated to local children’s hospitals and homeless shelters. These charity events aren’t just about raising money or toys; they’re about building a community that cares—fans and players working together to make Los Angeles a better place. For the Los Angeles Chargers, giving back is more than a slogan; it’s a core part of their identity.

Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with the long-term impact of these initiatives—how they’ve helped the Chargers build a loyal, diverse fan base and strengthen their connection to the Los Angeles community. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, the team has focused on creating events that reflect the city’s diversity: from hosting clinics in Latino and Asian American neighborhoods to featuring local artists at Chargers Village. This focus has paid off: the Chargers’ season-ticket sales have increased by 35% since 2017, and their social media following has grown by 70%, with fans from all backgrounds engaging with their content. For team president A.G. Spanos, the events are key to the Chargers’ success: “Football is about more than wins and losses. It’s about building a community—one that supports each other, celebrates together, and gives back. Our fan engagement events are the heart of that community.” For fans like Carlos Mendez, who attended his first Chargers clinic in 2018 and now brings his own kids to events, the impact is personal: “The Chargers aren’t just my favorite team—they’re part of my family. Every event we go to makes us feel closer to the team and to other fans. That’s the legacy of these events.” In the end, Fan Engagement Events with the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of connection—how a football team can bring people together, inspire change, and create memories that last a lifetime.