The notion that Vegas could never be the hometown of a professional sports franchise became ancient history with the arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights NHL franchise in 2017, and a new era with new hope and possibilities had begun.
Still, the idea that Las Vegas could ever become the capitol of Raider Nation seemed far-fetched, even after Mark Davis gained enough support from other National Football League team owners and Allegiant Stadium rose from the dust. Vegas was long considered “neutral” territory, although the league had no official objection to a team relocating here. A debut season in 2020 played under COVID-19 restrictions, without fans in attendance, added to the surreal circumstances.
But silver and black popped up everywhere. The faithful came from the Raiders’ previous homes of Oakland and Los Angeles to fill bleachers alongside Vegas football fans for the team’s sophomore year. A city populated by dreamers and doers, of fresh starts and second chances, galvanized behind quarterback Derek Carr. Cheering on Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, Maxx Crosby and Daniel Carlson was the antidote to the world gone mad beyond the goalposts.
As the 2021 playoffs approached, Davis announced that Super Bowl LVIII would be held at Allegiant in 2024, again upping the stakes for what was possible for professional sports in Las Vegas. In a city where entertainment options continue to evolve, the Raiders have moved the bar—again.
For Hall of Fame honorees from 2020, click here
For Hall of Fame honorees from 2021, click here
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