While it's only about 5 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, there is seemingly more congestion here than there is downtown. This is the one downside of San Diego that has horrible traffic.

Traffic coming into a 1 Pm game is really bad. Get there before 11 when they close the parking lot gates. I suggest getting there at 8:30 am where the line starts to pack up for the parking lot gates opening at 9 am.   I like to stay after the game for a few hours to let the traffic pass. Would rather be out with friends and family throwing the football after a chargers win than sitting in an hour and a half of traffic.

As out of towners, when we visited Qualcomm there was no discussion, it was the green line all the way. Catch the trolley and beat the traffic. The hassle with driving is really getting out, not so much getting in from what we could tell. By catching the trolley you could enjoy some refreshing beverages throughout the day without any concern of how to get home!