Raiders Owner Mark Davis on Thursday "will appear at a commission meeting in Las Vegas," which is expected to include a discussion "about funding for a possible new stadium in Vegas and to see whether the Raiders will ultimately be able to move there," according to Jason Cole of BLEACHER REPORT. A source said that Davis at the meeting is "going to pledge that he will move the team to Las Vegas if the commission approves funding for that stadium" ("Insider Buzz," BleacherReport.com, 4/25). In Las Vegas, Bradley & Velotta in a front-page piece report the domed stadium project is "backed by casino operator Las Vegas Sands and Majestic Realty," the real estate firm helmed by NHL Kings co-Owner Ed Roski. A "preliminary funding plan" shows the companies "proposed that tourist taxes cover about two-thirds of the project's cost." Las Vegas Sands officials have said that the project, "which also would serve as the new home for the UNLV football team, is economically viable and would move forward regardless of whether an NFL team moved here because it would attract new special events and increase visitation" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 4/26). In Oakland, Jerry McDonald reports that "although the Raiders have had brisk season ticket sales after a 7-9 season and a strong offseason in terms of securing talent, Davis has not come any closer with the city of Oakland and Alameda County in securing a new stadium on the current site" (EAST BAY TIMES, 4/26).
LOOKING LIKE A LEGIT OPTION: In L.A., Vincent Bonsignore writes Davis is "absolutely serious about targeting Las Vegas as the future home for his franchise, and sees the growing city as the ideal landing spot for the Raiders both locally and regionally." The Raiders envision a Las Vegas home base "that would enable them to tap into the furthest reaches of their fan base." Vegas "would be their primary market, but its elements as one of the most popular destination points in America would be the magnet they use to draw in Raiders fans and season-ticket holders from across the country." Meanwhile, there is "growing sentiment within the NFL that fellow owners are opening up to Las Vegas and granting Davis his wish to move there should he request it." The Raiders "can likely count on support" from Rams Owner Stan Kroenke, as it would mean the Rams having L.A. "all to themselves." Chargers Chair Dean Spanos "would have obvious motivation" to keep the Raiders out of L.A. -- or San Diego -- "as it would eliminate the Raiders considerable competition from the Southern California region." Meanwhile, the Cowboys' Jerry Jones and the Texans' Bob McNair likely would support a Raiders move to Las Vegas, as it would mean "keeping them out of San Antonio, a city the Raiders have long considered as a possible relocation destination" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 4/26).
