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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
Seemed like yesterday we were publishing photo updates on the Raiders’ stadium project and here we are at the team’s Las Vegas training camp documenting the franchise’s preparation for a fourth NFL season in a venue across from the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino.
The Raiders began seeding this market with local business programs and high school football events to cultivate a connection with a market that contributed $750 million in public money to help build the NF team’s domed stadium. We asked Raiders coach Josh McDaniels for his observations about the franchise immersing itself in the local market:
On Saturday, for example, the Raiders hosted these high schools:
And community groups:
Bonanza football coach Keith Jones, who supervised about 20 boys ages 15-18 at the practice, said the students benefit from seeing the Raiders’ pros.
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to come out and see professional sports,” Jones told LVSportsBiz.com during Raiders practice. “It shows the mental discipline it takes to get to this point, how to be a good son at home.”
More high schools and groups return to the Raiders camp at team HQ Aug. 6.
At 7:50AM before practice, McDaniels chatted with the media. The former Patriots assistant coach who oversaw the New England offense for Bill Belichick in Year 2 in Las Vegas. His Raiders’ first year record of 6-11 followed a 2021 season when the team qualified for the postseason as a wild card team in the AFC.
Meet linebacker Robert Spillane, a hungry, intense, gritty, thumper linebacker who wants to rip the football from you if you are carrying the ball.
“It’s a blessing. You never take those reps for granted,” Spillane said.
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Football games at Allegiant Stadium: