THE OAKLAND RAIDERS are one step closer to relocating to Las Vegas.
The Nevada Assembly and Senate on Friday approved a room tax increase designed to raise $750million for construction of a new stadium, clearing the most significant local hurdle that remained in attempts to lure the Raiders from Oakland.
Governor Brian Sandoval, an advocate of the project who called lawmakers into special session in large part to consider the measure, is expected to sign Senate Bill 1 into law on Monday, according to reports.
“I would like to thank Governor Sandoval, the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee, and the members of the Nevada Legislature on this historic day,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a release.
“All parties have worked extremely hard to develop and approve this tremendous stadium project that will serve as a proud new home for the entire Raider Nation.”
With the final funding source in place, along with $650m pledged by billionaire Las Vegas Sands Corp. chairman Sheldon Adelson and $500m to be contributed by the Raiders, the decision on whether the move happens will rest in the hands of the NFL’s owners.
Of the 32 owners, 24 must approve any franchise relocation. They have a regularly scheduled meeting next week in Houston, and the Raiders’ status undoubtedly will be a key item on the agenda.
After several failed attempts to secure a stadium deal in the Bay Area, any league opposition to a Las Vegas move likely would come down to concerns over putting a franchise in the gambling capital of the US.
However, it will be difficult for the NFL to turn down a brand new, $1.9billion domed facility in a destination with international appeal.
