Everybody loves the thrill of being next to the field... hearing the helmets and pads smashing against each other, the trash talk that inevitably comes with every game, and the audibles called by the home-team's quarterback.

But at Qualcomm Stadium, trying to get close to hear this can also mean watching much of the game on the jumbotron.

The first 8 rows of the Field Level at Qualcomm Stadium are labeled "obstructed view" because of the ticket-holder's inability to see much of the game over the heads of bench players and personnel. Even Field Tickets that are not labeled "obstructed" can be a chore, and are only recommended for the most agile of fans, who don't mind standing the entire game, or waiting in long lines for concessions and bathrooms.

This poor seating arrangement is due to Qualcomm being a former dual-purpose stadium for football and baseball, when the San Diego Padres played there. The Padres have since moved downtown to Petco Park.

Until the Chargers move to a new stadium (which could be at least 5 years from now), buyers - especially those coming from out of town - need to know what they are buying. The generic photos that show the field when nobody is on it are nice in theory, but do not necessarily represent your view when the game is being played.

My recommendation for some of the best seats at Qualcomm:

1) Press level. This is by far the best section in the stadium. You can sit the whole game and actually enjoy it, there are never more than 5 rows of seats in any Press section, it is covered with TVs, and there are absolutely no lines! Oh - and did I mention this is where the TV cameras, offensive/defensive coordinators, and the Governator sit?

2) Plaza level rows 18+. The Plaza level brings the joy of being in the lower level, but if you are in a low row you could end up standing like the Field Level spectators in front of you. If you sit towards the back of the section you get a better view of the field, covered by the overhang, and TVs overhead. Lines will be longer as Plaza usually has 24 rows of seats.

3) Lower View. Lower View, which is where I usually sit, is scattered with long-time season ticket holders. It is perfect for those of you who want to watch the game, see the plays develop, but can't necessarily afford the Press Level. The lines for concessions can tend to be long, but it is rowdier than the Press Level if that's what you're in to. (And if you get seats in the first row of the east endzone like me, the field is practically right under you).

Hope that helps everyone, and GO BOLTS!!!