The NFL overwhelmingly approved the Oakland Raiders’ planned relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada with team owners voting 31-1 in favor of the move on Monday. The team will continue to play at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a few years as construction on a desert stadium begins — there may be a temporary relocation for 2019.
Watch the National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell’s remarks about the vote here:
Commissioner Roger Goodell's opening statement regarding the Raiders relocation to Las Vegas. https://t.co/tvfjzfts5h
— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2017
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the lone dissenting vote came from Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. He’s far less excited than Raiders owner Mark Davis.
“My father always said, ‘the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness,” Davis said in a statement. “I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.
“The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff,” he continued. “We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area.”
Here’s more from him:
Raiders owner Mark Davis discusses the decision to relocate the team to Las Vegas. https://t.co/9uIHq8FslE
— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2017
Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr had his own message for fans of the team. Read that here:
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 27, 2017
The Raiders have been lobbying the City of Oakland for a new stadium for many years, though they could never come to terms. The team toyed with the idea moving to Los Angeles like the Rams, but will instead find a new home in a billion dollar-plus dome near Sin City.