NFL could help develop Oakland Raiders stadium

[KamaAina]

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_29213719/nfl-could-help-develop-oakland-raiders-stadium

In a move that could help solve the Los Angeles relocation puzzle, a top NFL executive said Monday the league is open to helping develop a new stadium for the Raiders near O.Co Coliseum.

While an Oakland stadium plan likely couldn't come together before a new Dec. 30 league-imposed deadline for cities at risk of losing their teams to Los Angeles, the NFL's continued push for a deal in Oakland is seen as a hopeful sign that it might keep the team in place for now despite Oakland offering relatively little in terms of public subsidies.

League owners are expected to decide as early as next month between the proposed $1.7 billion stadium by the Raiders and San Diego Chargers in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson and the St. Louis Rams' proposed $1.86 billion Inglewood stadium that can accommodate a second team. Further complicating matters is that although the Raiders and Chargers have teamed up, there is reportedly a preference in some NFL circles for the Chargers and Rams as the two Los Angeles teams.

A new Raiders stadium in Oakland could make a messy situation much neater. But the NFL and city officials cautioned Monday that the possibility of the league helping develop the stadium, as first reported by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Daily, is nothing more than an idea at this point.

This should be a no-brainer. The Pats built a similar development around Gillette way out in Foxboro (halfway between Boston and Providence). O.co Coliseum is right next to a BART and Amtrak station, not to mention Interstate 880.

[Auggie]

1. No brainer -- hope Raiders' ownership group feels the same way

One of the Chronicle columnists, Ann Killion I think, wrote recently that Raiders managing partner Mark Davis has an incredible opportunity to lure many long-time 49er fans to Oakland, especially considering what douchebags (my word, not hers) 49ers owners have been recently. The Coliseum complex is an easier trek for North Bay fans too.

Thing is, team apparel and luxury box revenue, proceeds of which owners do not have to share with the rest of the league, offer greater profit potential in the L.A. market.

Money talks. I see the Raiders following the money.

[Jamaal510]

2. That's how it should be all along.

Have the NFL and/or the team owners pay for their own stadiums while the cities devote money towards more pressing issues. This is what I respect about the Giants and how they built AT&T Park using their own money instead of footing the bill to SF taxpayers. I don't expect it to be likely, but I hope the Raiders follow suit.