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Raider Nation brings the noise at first open public practice in Allegiant Stadium

Raider Nation came out to Allegiant Stadium in droves Wednesday night for the first of two practices open to the public.

Fans were treated to an up-close and in-person glimpse of the 2024 squad and showed their excitement for the upcoming season from the moment the team took the field.

But Wednesday's practice was more than just a chance to see Maxx Crosby’s elite get off speed or Davante Adams’ route-running ability.

The two open practices are an opportunity for the team to show its appreciation for Raider Nation and for Raiders fans of all ages and backgrounds to come together.

"This is something - having an open practice at the stadium for all the fans - that I've personally wanted for an incredibly long time, and I know Mark [Davis] has wanted as well," Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan told FOX5 News.

"It's truly a thank you to Las Vegas," she added. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the city."

That celebratory atmosphere was shared throughout the stadium by new and longtime fans.

"Growing up here, I never had a team," said Drix, a local barber. "But seeing how big an impact the Raiders have had in Las Vegas, that has impacted me. I love my city; I love what it's become, and I love how it's growing."

For Ralph, a 67-year-old lifelong Raiders fan, Wednesday marked his first visit to Allegiant Stadium.

"It seemed like a community affair," he said. "I thought I might as well try to get out there and support our local team. All the people that have shown up, it's been great. You watch it on television, but you don't really know what it's like live and in-person."

The gameday-like experience was especially impactful for younger fans like Jackson, an 8-year-old who plays flag football and yes, is named after Raiders legend Bo Jackson.

His favorite part of practice? "The touchdowns."

Everywhere you looked, the cross-generational support for the Silver and Black was evident.

Vanessa, a parent in the Las Vegas Hawks youth football club, was especially excited for the team-bonding opportunities the practice provided.

"I wasn't always a big football fan, but my boys started playing and all the camps and experiences like this that the Raiders make available for the youth," she said. "iIt's really cool for them to be involved and it's a huge part of why we've grown to love the team."

Whether it was Arian and Peter leading chants with their Raider Nation flag in the concourse; Mario, who showed off his numerous Raiders tattoos; or Kevin Ruiz and Yeseñia Delgado, who drove almost four hours from San Jacinto, California, to come to practice with their young daughter, the Raider faithful came out in full force.

"Every time you get an opportunity to be in front of the fans, it's a blessing," Maxx Crosby said. "I know they were fired up to be out there. We had an absolute blast."

The second and final open practice available to the public is slated for Tuesday, August 20 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium. Tickets are free and available via waitlist here.

Take a look at photos from the Silver and Black's open 2024 Training Camp practice at Allegiant Stadium.

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