LAS VEGAS - The Raiders today officially became the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak proclaimed Jan. 22 as Las Vegas Raiders Day in the Silver State, marking an official welcome to the Silver and Black's new permanent home and ushering in a new era in the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.
This is an historic day in the already rich annals of the Raiders. Al Davis stated that, "The greatness of the Raiders is in its future" and the move to Las Vegas gives the Silver and Black the opportunity to achieve that greatness.
"Today, we want to make a donation to the Nevada Department of Agriculture meal service program, which feeds kids lunch and breakfast at the schools. We are hoping to eliminate the debt that the entire state of Nevada has to do that project, and in that regard we are donating $500,000 to the program," said Raiders Owner Mark Davis.
The NFL officially approved the Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas in March 2017 and the Silver and Black set up business operations in Southern Nevada immediately, including a robust community initiatives effort that has immersed the Raiders in the Las Vegas Community.
The organization will base their training and business operations in Henderson and play their home games at Allegiant Stadium, located on the South end of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. With construction scheduled for completion in 2020, Allegiant Stadium will become a global events destination highlighted by the arrival of the NFL's iconic Raiders. Allegiant Stadium will be ideally located for both visitors and locals, fully enclosed and climate controlled with a capacity of 65,000.
The technologically advanced stadium will host world-class entertainment including concerts and sporting events such as the Pac-12 Championship Game and Las Vegas Bowl, as well as become the future home of UNLV Football. The stadium project is expected to generate an economic benefit of $620 million annually, while creating 6,000 permanent jobs in Southern Nevada.
The Raiders — who began play in the American Football League in 1960 — are entering their 61st year of professional football competition, including the last 51 as a member of the National Football League.
Over six memorable decades the Raiders have won an American Football League Championship, four American Football Conference Championships, three World Championships of Professional Football, participated in five Super Bowls, played in 14 Championship games, won or tied for 17 Division Championships, had 22 playoff seasons, finished 36 seasons at .500 or better and played in 44 postseason games. With their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Raiders became the first NFL team to play in Super Bowls in four different decades.
In addition, the Raiders are proud to contribute to youth initiatives, community development, environmental concerns and multicultural awareness and global outreach. The Silver and Black maintains a global presence and communicate with the worldwide Raider Nation through the team's official web site and social media properties.
