Will Las Vegas Fit the NFL Franchise System ?
NFL owners will soon meet in March to decide and vote on the Oakland Raiders proposed move to Las Vegas. Demographics, research statistics. the pros and cons among other factors are part of their decision making process. A positive vote of 24 plus owners out of the 32 is needed to pass the resolution.
Their real concern is will Las Vegas fit the NFL franchise system and sustain long term success.
These concerns revolve around certain market parameters for any business to consider. The population of the San Francisco – Oakland area is 4.7 million people compared to the Las Vegas – Henderson area of 2.1 million people. Household income from the Oakland area is almost double the Vegas – Henderson income.
The media market density of the San Francisco – Oakland area is rated number 6 in the country where the Vegas area is at number 40 on the media list.
NFL owners want to be convinced that Vegas is a viable market area to support an NFL franchise like the Raiders. The owners know that a new $1.9 billion, 65,000 seat domed stadium just south of the strip area has already been approved and waiting for the green light. But the owners need more proof to stroke their egos and present them with financial incentive that are in their best interests. Are there other factors to persuade team owners to vote positive for the Oakland relocation to Las Vegas.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made some surprising statements showing support for the Vegas move resolution. “There are some real strengths to the Las Vegas market” Goodell said in a press conference. “There is a growth to the market and our data shows some very positive things about it.”
Goodell and the NFL brass are becoming less concerned by the legal sports betting element than just a few short years ago. They realize the Nevada sports betting industry is more diligent in their self-regulatory capacity. The Nevada regulatory body is a big part of the watchful eye on the integrity of the sport. Both work hand in hand to supervise and support their efforts at maintaining a vantage point of monitoring league operations.
What other factors could be instrumental in the potential success or failure of an NFL franchise team relocating to Las Vegas. The city of Las Vegas is different than any other city in the country and is a famous international city open 24 hours daily. There are many other entertainment opportunities to spend money and time on. But the diversity boosts the economy and shows broad appeal.
The Raiders situation still encompasses the “Raiders Nation” support but will require a 4 hour drive or 50 minute flight from their previous base in Oakland. As a leading resort destination, Las Vegas has the advantage of attracting Raider fans for a quick trip to the gambling mecca. They can catch a Raiders game to coincide with a leisure trip. An NFL game is a big draw to all the locals and visitors with easy access to the 65,000 seat stadium. Visitors from Texas might visit Vegas to see their Dallas Cowboys play the Las Vegas Raiders as an excuse to go to Vegas for a weekend party or a convention. Vegas has a lot to offer especially in sporting events now that the NHL (professional hockey) is part of the Vegas landscape at the new T-Mobile arena. An NFL franchise will be a great addition to the entertainment capital of the world. You can bet on it !
