Raiders owner Mark Davis ‘totally excited’ about Las Vegas stadium plans
Even as the summer months pass without a stadium financing deal in place, nothing has curbed Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis’ enthusiasm for moving his NFL franchise to Las Vegas.
Davis attended the Raiders’ practice in the Bay Area on Thursday while keeping an eye on the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee meeting on the UNLV campus, where the stadium project was debated in more detail.
“I’ve been through these things a number of times, and I think ‘sense of urgency’ is a strong phrase,” Davis said in a phone interview. “We’ve got to make it work and make sure all parties are happy. I think we’re getting there. Everybody is working hard on all sides.
“If Las Vegas can come through, we’re going there. I have not wavered on that one iota. I’m totally excited about it.”
The Raiders’ stadium project was first addressed publicly at the April 28 SNTIC meeting. At that time, Davis said he was not using Las Vegas to leverage a better deal in Oakland.
On Aug. 20, the Raiders filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “Las Vegas Raiders,” according to a Thursday report by Forbes that Davis confirmed. It does not guarantee that the NFL franchise is relocating, but it is another indication of the Raiders’ intentions.
“I think it demonstrates their commitment,” said Andy Abboud, Las Vegas Sands’ senior vice president of government relations and community development. “It’s another positive sign.”
The team filed for “Las Vegas Raiders” trademark protection in classes including education and entertainment services, clothing, mobile applications, football helmets and trading cards, among other categories. Davis called the move “all part of a checklist.”
The cost for the 65,000-seat domed stadium was set at $1.9 billion, and the development team consisting of Las Vegas Sands Corp., Majestic Realty and the Raiders identified land west of Interstate 15 and north of Russell Road as the preferred site.
If the financing plan is approved by Nevada lawmakers in a fall special session, the Raiders expect to present the proposal and a relocation request to the NFL in January.
“The sooner we can get this done, the faster we can approach the NFL,” Raiders president Marc Badian said Thursday.
Rob Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, said, “Time is of the essence.”
Goldstein said the developers’ proposal is firm. The public would contribute $750 million — 39 percent of the project’s total cost — in the form of a hotel room tax. Las Vegas Sands is putting up at least $650 million, and the Raiders are committing $500 million.
“Again, this is a publicly owned stadium with a 60 percent private investment,” Abboud said. “The room tax increase (0.8 percent) is really not that significant. We think that is going to be compelling to the taxpayers of Nevada because they’re not paying for the stadium. It’s going to be paid for by tourists.”
Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission chairman and a member of the SNTIC, said the committee could soon be prepared to recommend a stadium financing plan to the state Legislature for a decision. The next SNTIC meeting is scheduled for Sept. 15.
“Time is not on our side right now,” Sisolak said. “There’s some public sentiment opposed and a lot of public sentiment in favor. I think there’s a lot of misinformation out there. There’s a lot of discussion about the subsidizing a couple billionaires, which is really kind of misportrayed.”
Davis reiterated his commitment to searching for a training camp site in the Reno area to help strengthen the Raiders’ ties to the entire state.
He also called the proposed stadium site near Russell Road “perfect” and the design of the stadium “phenomenal.”
“If it comes to fruition, it’s going to be something that makes everyone proud,” Davis said. “I’m thankful to the people of the SNTIC for putting in their time and energy.”
A video of the completed stadium filled with fans was played during the SNTIC meeting, and it was accompanied with the theme song “Back in Black” by AC/DC.
“I get goosebumps when I see it in that video,” Davis said. “We’re ready to rock and roll.”
The Review-Journal is owned by the family of Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247
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