A few huge developments happened over the past couple of weeks, while my personal life put this blog on the backburner.
First, the Nevada State Senate approved the increase in tax that would allow Las Vegas to raise the $750 million to lure the Raiders via a new stadium. Second, Mark Davis attended a ceremony celebrating the announcement. He also said he was committed to the city. However, Jerry Jones and his ton of influence says the Raiders will definitely leave Oakland.
Meanwhile, the City of Oakland said they were working on a serious proposal to keep their franchise. Their proposal may or may not include a group of investors led by Ronnie Lott. Roger Goodell echoed that the league had Oakland as the perferred destination.
The County Commission also okayed an extension of the monorail with visions of the Raiders’ stadium in mine.
Finally, Sheldon Adelson said he could live with or without the proposed stadium that would bring the Raiders.
So basically, we still do not know where the Raiders will play once their lease is up in Oakland. We do know that they are still on a quest for a new stadium. That baseball field for a quarter of the season is not a good look. Neither are the flooded bathrooms on the upper concourse.
Still, Oakland will always be Mecca for Raider Nation. Hopefully, Oakland will put together something real soon. The Raiders mean too much to the community. The Raiders do too much outreach. Their brand represents the East Bay too much.
Don’t forget that the Oakland is getting gentrified. That means the Raiders have a booming economy in their home market. They need to take advantage of it and stop courting Vegas.
Plus, the Raiders are relevant again. Oakland must fight for their team which will become a perennial playoff team.
