NFL owners, on Monday, approved the Raiders’ proposal to move to Las Vegas. According to Ian Rapoport, the final vote was 31-1.
The Raiders won't immediately move to Las Vegas since construction of their planned $1.7 billion domed stadium isn't expected to be completed until 2020. They will play this season at the Oakland Coliseum and have a contract option to play there again in 2018. After that, they likely will have to find a temporary venue to play in until their new stadium just off the Las Vegas strip is built.
Mark Davis is clearly excited to have this vote go through successful as the city of Las Vegas will put forth around $1 billion in public money to get this stadium built. He issued the following statement soon after the vote occurred.
“My father always said, ‘the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.
“The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area.”
The city of Oakland tried to show the league that they were committed to keeping the Raiders in the bay area, but the league decided it was not a viable solution.
For now, the Raiders will continue to play in Oakland as the Oakland Raiders as the stadium in Las Vegas will not be completed until 2020. Their contract with the Oakland Coliseum is good for 2017 and they have the option to stick around through the 2018 season as well. Come 2019, however, they will be looking for a place to host football games. Perhaps a 30,000 seat soccer stadium is available somewhere.
False. Stadium is too full. https://t.co/6mkyr2N3IC
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) March 27, 2017
With the Los Angeles Chargers having moved from San Diego, that makes two AFC West teams switching cities. As foreign as it is to put ‘Los Angeles’ in front of the Chargers brand, it is even more odd to use Las Vegas in front of any team brand.
The good news for Denver Broncos fans is an easier trip to road games and who wouldn’t want to travel to Vegas for Broncos football along with a little casino action?