A Nevada committee has approved a $750 million public funding plan for a potential NFL stadium to be constructed in Las Vegas, checking off another box in the fight to move the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas. Ian Cull reports.
A Nevada committee has approved a $750 million public funding plan for a potential NFL stadium to be constructed in Las Vegas, checking off another box in the fight to move the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas.
The item will now be placed in the hands of Gov. Brian Sandoval, The Associated Press reported. A special session may be called by Sandoval to discuss the matter with the state Legislature.
Sandoval thanked the committee for its recommendation and added that the southern section of the state is looking to increase its allure as a leading tourism and gaming destination.
"I am hopeful the work completed by this committee will serve as a roadmap to Southern Nevada's unrivaled and continued success," he said in a statement.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf reacted to the news Thursday, reiterating that the East Bay city continues in its pledge to prevent a Raiders exodus.
"There is a long and complicated history between this team and this city," she said in a statement. "We've learned from the mistakes of the past and we won't repeat them. Oakland is neither rolling over nor giving up. Now is the time for everyone in our region to pull together to show the NFL and the Raiders that their future is in Oakland.
"We've been very clear that we are willing to invest in the public infrastructure," Schaaf added. "That's very appropriate for government. It's what we do all the time for major developments."
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Andy Dolich, a former front office executive with the A's and 49ers, said it's merely one phase of the process.
"This is a positive step for Las Vegas in the process, but it is just a step," he said. "I've always believed this is the Raiders of the Lost Park, and we have plenty more chapters to run."
A group called Forever Oakland was getting an early start on tailgate preparations at the Coliseum for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
"The sad thing is the Raiders have an owner that is dirtying up the air, putting smoke out there when everything in Oakland is at its best viability-wise," said Grizz Jones of Forever Oakland.
The Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee announced the funding approval Thursday on the campus of UNLV, according to The Associated Press.
The proposed 65,000-seat stadium is currently estimated to cost $1.9 billion, and proponents of the establishment hope that a hotel tax will further the funding efforts, according to the AP.
If the governor and state Legislature approve the stadium, it is up to league's 32 owners to finalize the relocation of an NFL franchise to Las Vegas. The owners are scheduled to meet in January and 75 percent of owners must approve that decision, ESPN reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
