Thousands of fans who bought PSLs and tickets must wait until '21 to see the NFL live in Las VegasGETTY IMAGES
The Raiders decided that they will play their inaugural season at Allegiant Stadium without fans, and the "effects of COVID-19 continue to influence such decisions," according to Ed Graney of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Raiders Owner Mark Davis despite the news said, "We have potential ways to keep fans engaged on Game Day. Tailgate parties on a smaller scale. Watch parties. Viewing parties." The announcement means thousands who "forked over substantial costs for personal seat licenses along with tickets that accompany them must wait until 2021 to see the NFL live in Las Vegas." The Raiders in January announced all PSLs for the 65,000-seat, $2B stadium were sold out. Graney writes that "seems a lifetime ago." Still, the number of coronavirus cases in Clark County "haven’t cooperated to the point it would make sense to welcome fans. Even a small percentage" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/4).
LOSSES ALL AROUND: In Las Vegas, Alan Snel wrote not having fans at the new stadium is a "big loss for Allegiant because the low-cost airline was hoping to transport football fans from around the U.S. to the palatial venue in Las Vegas." The Raiders took in $549.2M in personal seat license money -- "way above the original estimate" of $290M. Fans "had to pay the personal seat license fee before they had a chance to buy their Raiders game tickets" (LVSPORTSBIZ.com, 8/3). Also in Las Vegas, Mick Akers notes Allegiant Stadium’s website is "advertising tours of the building with a sign-up list for interested parties to be alerted when the tours are made available." The website "touts the tours as a way to 'go behind the scenes of our world-class stadium.'" Davis said that the tours are "still planned to occur this year and should be available 'soon'" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/4).
BUBBLE CAMP: In Las Vegas, Vincent Bonsignore reports the Raiders during training camp are "opting for a partial full-time bubble." Raiders rookies are "staying at a Las Vegas Valley hotel during camp and have the option of taking a shuttle to and from the team practice facility" in Henderson, Nev. Veterans are "free to go home after each workday." Bonsignore writes given the Raiders’ "success getting through the first phase of COVID-19 screening -- of the 90 or so players who have been tested, only running back Devontae Booker tested positive -- their plan is working" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/4).
