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Rejected: Oakland Citizens Deny Proposal for New Football Stadium

Oakland, CA (Post-Draft, 2006) – The Stadium used by the Oakland Raiders has stood since 1966, and the team felt it was about time a new one was built. Raiders owner John Mackey presented the city with a proposal for a new stadium to be built in the downtown core, and the proposal was put to a referendum for the citizens of Oakland to vote on. The final tally: 202,102 (32.9%) for, 411,190 (67.0%) against.

John Mackey held a press conference after the results of the vote were made public, where he expressed his disappointment. “What is there to say,” said Mackey. “We put a lot into this proposal, because it was important to us and to our organization. The team has played in that stadium for over forty years. It was time for a new stadium to be built so that this team can move into the future. This stadium is one of the oldest in the league. History is important, but so is growth, and we feel that a new stadium is required for that growth to happen.”

Mackey was then questioned about why the proposal asked for the city to foot then entire $814,000,000 bill, with no contribution from the team. “This team brings a lot to the city. We bring in a lot of income, which we share with the city, and we also bring a lot of tourism from fans of other teams coming to the city to watch a game. We also provide a lot of jobs, from the administration staff, all the way to the concession staff. We do a lot for this city. We felt that it was time that the city contributed to this partnership, and not just reap the rewards for the team’s hard work.”

When asked about the possibility of moving the team, Mackey was blunt. “We do not want to move this team, but we need to look at our options. We feel that we have made an effort and reached out to Oakland to help this team remain strong now and in the future. Oakland has said no, and we need to sit back and digest the meaning of that. As I said, we do not want to move the team, but we need to look at the entire situation and see if we can make it work here. Right now, I do not know the answer to that.”

Oakland city Councilman Henry Collins gave his assessment of the situation. “Oakland loves the Raiders, they are a big part of our lives. That said, the people of Oakland gave their opinion of Mr. Mackey’s proposal. We are all aware of the benefits that the team provides for Oakland, but it is simply unfair and unrealistic to ask the taxpayers to foot a bill of $814,000,000 for a stadium. We want a partnership with Mr. Mackey, but that partnership is not going to be one where the people pay all of the costs. If he wants a proposal agreed upon, then he is going to have to act in a fair manner regarding the contributions on his side.”

Because a stadium proposal was put forth and rejected, Mackey and the Raiders organization are now able to entertain offers from other cities in regards to relocating. All that is certain is that the Raiders will be in Oakland this year, but the future of NFL football in Oakland is in jeopardy.

“We have a season to focus on, so that is what we are focused on,” said Mackey. “We are the Oakland Raiders right now, so that is all the organization needs to worry about. We want to win, and that is what we are dedicated to doing. Everything else will be determined in due time.”

Ominous words for a now worried Raider Nation.