Become a Vegas Insider
The Raider Nation Perspective is a series showcasing contributions from Raider fans. Today’s perspective is from Raider Mike (@RaiderMike135).
Since the move from Oakland to Las Vegas was announced, excitement has been on minds of most fans. Long overdue, a new stadium was finally materializing in a way Al Davis could only dream.
The move has helped the team financially, with the value of the team increasing almost $1.5B, but how will it affect the product on the field? Let’s look at a few factors that play into what I call “The Las Vegas Advantage”.
Indoor Stadium
It’s well known that weather can have an adverse effect on a game. Snow, rain, and wind alters game plans and sometimes forces teams out of their comfort zone. With those factors mitigated by the futuristic and enclosed “Death Star”, Jon Gruden can open up the playbook in the best way to attack the opponent.
With a seating capacity of 65,000 (approximately 10,000 more than in Oakland), the sound level should also be through the roof, figuratively speaking.
VEGAS INSPIRED COLLECTIONS
New Training Facility
I had the pleasure of seeing the new headquarters and training facility in person recently, and I can tell you it was magnificent. Aside from the sheer size, the building skin matches its stadium counterpart beautifully. But the advantage isn’t what’s on the outside of the building, it’s what is in and around the building that will give the Raiders another Las Vegas Advantage.
A physiotherapy pool, 1 and a half indoor football fields, and of course state of the art training equipment all will contribute to producing a better product on the field.
Vegas Nightlife
Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, and for good reason. It Is not the place for the weak-willed, and its temptations are everywhere. Visiting teams have every opportunity to fall victim to those temptations. It’s not a double-edged sword however, as Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden appear to be filling the roster with high character players who will surely be coached on the dangers of living near “Sin city”
No matter what, this is a new era for the Raiders and its tremendous fanbase, and the team looks to be uniquely positioned to thrive in this situation.
