28 Mar 2017
NFL's Oakland Raiders wins right to move to 'world class' stadium in Las Vegas
BY Kim Megson
US National Football League (NFL) franchise the Oakland Raiders are to relocate to Las Vegas, after other NFL owners voted yesterday (27 Match) to approve the controversial move to Nevada.
The Raiders received 31 of 32 votes to approve the move, far above the minimum requirement of 24.
It is now in a position to proceed with its ambitions to build a 65,000 capacity stadium on the Las Vegas Strip. Team owner Mark Davis described the planned venue, designed by sports architects Manica, as “a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world.”
The vote marks the third time in two years an NFL side has been permitted by the league to move to a completely different city in order to build a bigger and more modern home venue for fixtures. Both the Rams and the Chargers have been allowed to relocate to Los Angeles from St. Louis and San Diego respectively. Manica’s original design for the Raiders was also based on a proposed LA location, but those plans have now been tweaked for the mooted Vegas site.
Acknowledging the pain of Raiders’ supporters living in Oakland, Davis told ESPN: “I understand they will be angry and disappointed. I want them to know that I do understand that it's emotional. Raider Nation is the greatest fanbase in the world and we're going to build something to make them proud.
“But I also want them to give as much support to the team as possible as we attempt to bring a championship to the Bay Area."
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr posted a note on social media describing himself as “overwhelmed with emotion.”
“I don’t know how we should feel,” he said. “I feel the pain of our fans in Oakland. I also see the joy on the faces of our new fans in Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas, you can count on us bringing a piece of Oakland with us and you are getting a tough, loyal, and competitive fanbase and team. When the time comes, I hope you are ready.”
Manica have previously revealed details of their planned design, which will feature a futuristic bowl and a 120ft (42m) tower, encased in glass, rising above the main concourse. When the Chargers score a touchdown, lightning bolts will shoot from the tower. A huge domed glass roof will cover the ground.
The Raiders have committed US$500m toward the projected US$1.9bn project. According to ESPN, another $750m will come from public funding, including a hotel tax. The Bank of America is also helping to finance the deal.
Previous financial backer Sheldon Adelson, a Vegas developer, withdrew his support earlier this year.
The Raiders franchise is likely to stay in Oakland for the next two seasons, while construction begins on its new stadium.
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