The Oakland Raiders, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders, have a rich history in the National Football League (NFL). Although they have relocated to Las Vegas, their legacy in Oakland remains significant. For those interested in their past home schedule in Oakland, here’s an overview of how their home games were typically structured, alongside some general information about the team’s history and trivia.
Historical Context
The Raiders were founded in 1960 as a member of the American Football League (AFL) and joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger. They played in Oakland from 1966 to 1981, then moved to Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994, before returning to Oakland from 1995 to 2019. In 2020, they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Typical Home Schedule
The NFL typically releases its schedule for the upcoming season in the spring, around late April or early May. The schedule includes 17 games for each team, with approximately half of those being home games. When the Raiders were in Oakland, their home schedule would feature games against their division rivals, as well as teams from other divisions within the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), based on a rotating schedule designed by the NFL.
For instance, as an AFC West team, the Raiders’ home schedule would always include games against their division rivals: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. Beyond these matchups, the schedule would be filled with games against teams from other AFC divisions on a rotating basis, as well as a slate of games against an NFC division, which also rotates annually.
Fan Perspective
From a fan’s perspective, the home schedule was always highly anticipated. Fans would eagerly await the release of the schedule to start planning their season, from which games to attend in person to scheduling viewing parties for road games. The energy at Raiders home games was renowned, with the “Raider Nation” being one of the most dedicated and recognizable fan bases in the NFL.
Relocation to Las Vegas
The relocation to Las Vegas marked a new era for the franchise. The state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium, which opened in 2020, serves as the team’s new home and has already hosted numerous high-profile events, including Raiders games, concerts, and mixed martial arts events. While the team’s home is now in Las Vegas, the legacy of the Raiders in Oakland continues to be celebrated by fans who remember the team’s time in the Bay Area.
Conclusion
The Oakland Raiders’ home schedule, during their time in Oakland, was a highlight of the NFL season for fans in the Bay Area and across the country. Though the team has moved to Las Vegas, the history and memories of their time in Oakland remain cherished by the Raider Nation. For current information on the Las Vegas Raiders’ schedule, including home games at Allegiant Stadium, fans should visit the official NFL website or the Raiders’ team website.
FAQs
What division did the Raiders play in when they were in Oakland?
+The Raiders played in the AFC West division.
How many home games did the Raiders typically have in a season?
+In a standard 17-game season, the Raiders would have approximately 8 or 9 home games.
Where do the Raiders play their home games now?
+The Raiders now play their home games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
