Dave Stall and Brendan Thomas return to Sports Corner on FM 96.1 AM 1170 The Answer for a lively discussion of San Diego sports, professional baseball, college football, and the latest headlines from around the country. The show opens with a conversation about San Diego FC's reported interest in building a larger soccer stadium near the Del Mar Fairgrounds rather than continuing at Snapdragon Stadium. Brendan discusses the club's strong attendance and potential demand for additional seating, while Dave raises questions about location, accessibility, and the cost of constructing a new sports facility. The two explore whether taxpayers should contribute to professional stadium construction and compare different approaches to public-private financing. The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball payrolls, the competitive balance between high-spending and lower-budget franchises, and the possibility of future labor negotiations involving player salaries and team spending. Brendan then turns to local hockey and minor league baseball, highlighting the Oceanside Shock's early season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and their first victory. He discusses the team's reported home attendance of nearly 5,000 fans, the challenge of competing for attention with the San Diego Gulls, and the growing opportunities for hockey fans in Southern California. The conversation also examines a reported decline in nationwide Minor League Baseball attendance, despite affordable promotions offered by teams such as the Lake Elsinore Storm. Dave shares his enthusiasm for the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks, recalling the entertaining atmosphere, close proximity to the field, and the famous Midnight Sun Game. The hosts discuss notable former Goldpanners players, unusual baseball traditions, and why minor league and summer collegiate baseball can provide some of the most memorable experiences in sports. They also debate college athlete compensation, the cost of sports programs, and the importance of protecting athletes who suffer career-ending injuries. The discussion moves to San Diego State athletics, beginning with the Aztecs' reported 26–23 football victory over Fresno State on a late 53-yard field goal. Brendan evaluates SDSU's remaining schedule, its bowl eligibility prospects, and the challenges ahead against Colorado State, Washington State, Utah State, and Boise State. He also previews the Aztecs' basketball outlook, focusing on the addition of nearly seven-foot center Precious Sam, a prospect from Ghana, and what his size and physicality could bring to head coach Brian Dutcher's program. The conversation touches on conference competition, Gonzaga, and expectations for the upcoming basketball season. Dave and Brendan then turn to the San Diego Padres' offseason, debating which players should stay and which should leave. Their spirited exchange covers potential free agency decisions, pitching depth, bullpen consistency, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Walker Buehler, and Yuki Matsui. Both hosts offer their personal opinions on roster construction and the importance of balancing performance, contracts, and clubhouse attitude. The final segment examines a turbulent stretch of college football, with Brendan reviewing several reported upsets involving nationally ranked teams, including Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Notre Dame, and others. He discusses how unexpected results could affect the national rankings and questions proposals to expand the College Football Playoff beyond its existing format. YouTube: @MrDaveStall Website: davestall.com THE SPORTS KORNER 10/18/26