- Oakland Raiders are currently homeless for 2019
- Oakland option will come at a steeper price
- See the odds of where they'll play next year
It's quietly one of the most fascinating storylines in the NFL: the Raiders don't have a stadium to play its home games next season.
Background on the Raiders' History in Oakland
The Raiders have a storied history in Oakland. Founded in 1960, they have been a part of the city's identity. Despite a move to Los Angeles in 1982, they returned to Oakland in 1995, rekindling their bond with local fans.
This love-hate relationship with Oakland adds layers to their proposed relocation.
Their impending move to Vegas in 2020 hasn't sat well with Oakland, a city they've had an on-again off-again relationship with. While Vegas appears to be a forever destination, it looks like a rough ride out of the Bay Area.
The city of Oakland has sued the Raiders and the NFL over the team's move to Las Vegas. That could propel the Raiders out of town sooner than expected—with an expectation that the team's final game in Oakland may be on Christmas Eve. https://t.co/iauZK2OW3f
— Andrew Beaton (@andrewlbeaton) December 11, 2018
The new stadium in Las Vegas is set to be a state-of-the-art facility. It features a retractable roof and seating for 65,000 fans. This $1.9 billion project aims to create an exciting game-day atmosphere, offering modern amenities expected at high-profile sporting events.
Now here's the thing: Oakland isn't suing them because they want to keep the franchise. They're actually cool about them leaving. They're looking for the Raiders to pony up for lost revenue with the move.
Oh, and remember when Art Modell ripped the team out of Cleveland for Baltimore? Oakland is making a similar play, to literally take the shirts off their backs as they skip town.
City of Oakland files lawsuit against Raiders to keep brand https://t.co/bk7QnpKkmB
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) December 11, 2018
Financial Implications of the Move
Oakland could face significant financial losses. Estimates suggest the city might lose around $3 million annually in direct economic impact.
Meanwhile, the Raiders expect to benefit from tax breaks and increased revenue in Las Vegas.
MyBookie has a slate of choices for you to lay wagers on – with a late entry that may find its way onto odds boards soon. We'll get to that in a minute.
Odds Where the Raiders Play in 2019
| Venue | Odds at MyBookie |
|---|---|
| Oakland Coliseum | +150 |
| SDCCU Stadium (San Diego) | +200 |
| Levi Stadium | +350 |
| Alamodome San Antonio | +450 |
| Sam Boyd Stadium | +600 |
| CEFCU Stadium (San Jose State) | +700 |
| California Memorial Stadium | +850 |
| Stanford Stadium | +1000 |
| Estadio Azteca (Mexico) | +2000 |
Oakland Coliseum Remains the Favorite; Is it the Best bet?
If this saga isn't confusing enough, Oakland is still a viable option for the Raiders next year.
Even with the impending lawsuit, owner Mark Davis would definitely entertain the option, partly to show he cares about the city that they're leaving for a second time, and partly because logistically, a lot goes into uprooting, and it would only be for a season.
All it would take is another increase on the $3 million rent they've paid the last two years.
Emotionally, I would say, why would I give them $3 (million), $4 (million), $5 million in rent that they're going to turn around and use to sue me? But, at the same time, if they'll have us, I can't turn on the fans. I can't do it. – Raiders owner Mark Davis
Impact on Oakland Fans
Oakland fans are understandably upset. They've supported the team through thick and thin, showing unwavering loyalty.
Now, they feel abandoned. Many express outrage, while others look to cherish their final memories as Raiders fans.
Let's knock out the Bay Area college venues, as the Raiders haven't even contacted them as an option. Logistics for one year in Mexico makes that the longest of long shots. UNLV's Sam Boyd stadium and the Alamodome would need a facelift from astroturf to natural grass. That's out too.
"There is an emotional reluctance (on the Raiders' part) to share a stadium with the San Francisco #49ers," says judybattista of nflnetwork.
RapSheet adds that Mark Davis believes Raiders fans might not fit in at LevisStadium. https://t.co/GWEdJTJKXF
— Gold Rush (@levisstadium49) December 12, 2018
That leaves Levi Stadium – which, according to an ESPN report, being a one-year tenant in the 49ers newest digs is an idea Davis abhors – and the vacant SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, formerly the home of the Chargers.
.@Raiders have no home because they are being sued by Oakland. How about San Diego? Hard to imagine rooting silver & black but I will cheer for any team over the one that abandoned San Diego & the fans for a city that does not want them. #FightForSD https://t.co/OVKQm9UIZU
— Marie Coronel (@10NewsCoronel) December 13, 2018
I would take San Diego at +200 before either Oakland (irreparable damage) or San Francisco (second fiddle in a stadium in a city that hates you).
However, you may want to hold off until the odds are updated to include … Glendale?
The "Glendale" Raiders? The #Raiders could end up playing all of their "home" games in Glendale next season: https://t.co/eHG7oQhnLO pic.twitter.com/WaqkEAycTG
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) December 14, 2018
A city en route to Vegas? A chance to win over some new fans in the Southwest – whose current tenant is awful on the field? In a stadium that will likely be similar to their new home in Vegas?
I think we have a darkhorse bet here.
Finding a temporary home brings logistical headaches. Different venues vary in capacity and amenities.
Adapting to a new field for just one season adds stress, requiring careful planning. Compromises might be needed to suit team needs.
The post Odds Have Raiders Staying at Oakland Coliseum in 2019 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/odds-have-raiders-staying-at-oakland-coliseum-in-2019/
