Last month, the Oakland Raiders applied to relocate to Las Vegas, a controversial decision dividing fans. Relocation would require a vote of at least 24 of 32 teams, which would take place at the earliest in March when they rendezvous in Phoenix. Officially, fans won't know until then, but the move is looking optimistic.
Why Vegas was proposed
The Raiders want to move to Nevada because they have failed for years to find a replacement for the old and decrepit Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders tried to leave Oakland last year but failed in their attempt to build a new stadium in Southern California with the Chargers (who announced last month their plan to move from San Diego to LA).
Owner Mark Davis, eventually met with Nevada lawmakers, who agreed to contribute around $750 million in hotel taxes toward the creation of a domed stadium in Las Vegas.
The new location would also allegedly boost the West Coast fandom by pushing it further east. Vegas is reasonably accessible, only a four hour drive from Los Angeles, and the new location would allow Bay Area fans to plan exciting get-away weekends.
Matter of money
Casino operator, Sheldon Adelson, pulled out of this multi-million dollar money pledge. Many who were originally against the Vegas move applauded this turn of events, as it means a casino owner would not be part of stadium financing. Casino's have been the site of tasteless and deceitful sports betting in the past.
This financial back-out put stadium-building plans on temporary halt. But in the last week or two, Las Vegas officials have received queries from half a dozen interested investors, including one from a Japanese consortium, and another from a European group. The proposed stadium would cost $1.9 billion and would house over 65,000 fans.
The stadium would be shared with the university of nevada, Las Vegas football team, building #battleborn football pride across the state and intensifying the rivalry between UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno.
Regardless of the opposition or optimism surrounding the move, the Raiders staying in Oakland or moving to Vegas ultimately comes down to a matter of money.
