Report: Raiders close to deal for preseason game in Canada

The Raiders are close to finalizing a deal to host a preseason game in Canada this season, according to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press.

Planning is in the final stages for the third preseason game against the Packers to take place at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, sources confirmed to the paper.

No date or time has been set for the game. The Raiders play in Arizona on Aug. 15 and close the preseason at Seattle on Aug. 29.

The stadium in Winnipeg is available that weekend as the Blue Bombers play in Edmonton on Aug. 23. Edmonton was also believed to have expressed interest in hosting the NFL preseason game. Winnipeg’s Canadian Premier League soccer team, Valour FC, is scheduled to host a game Aug. 22.

According to the report, NFL officials were in Winnipeg along with representatives for the Raiders and Packers in April to inspect the field and facilities.

Darren Cameron, the Bombers’ senior director of public and player relations, confirmed the team’s interest in hosting the game.

“We’re optimistic that we can secure this game,” he told the Free Press. “It’s looking good and we’re working towards that game, but at this point there’s nothing more we can comment on.”

The Raiders have been looking for a venue for the third preseason game and were believed to have explored playing the game in Green Bay as an extra road preseason contest.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on Twitter.