Established
1960
City
Oakland - Los Angeles - Oakland - Las Vegas
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
2020 - Present / Las Vegas Raiders
1995 - 2019 / Oakland Raiders
1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Raiders
1960 - 1981 / Oakland Raiders
Nickname
Raiders - The Las Vegas Raiders have been a part of the National Football League since 1960, and their nickname has become synonymous with professional football. Owner Al Davis initially chose the team’s name to honor the Civil War cavalry unit, “The Fighting Raiders.” The name is also fitting because it reflects the spirit and tenacity that fans expect from a Raider team – they fight hard until they get what they want!
Today, many people associate “Raider” with strength and courage - two essential qualities for any successful NFL franchise. Unsurprisingly, when Las Vegas was awarded an expansion franchise in 2020, its new home team also adopted this iconic moniker.
Las Vegas Raiders Origin
In addition to being associated with toughness on the field, there is another interesting origin story behind how this beloved nickname came about: In 1962, when Al Davis first took over as head coach/general manager of Oakland-Los Angeles-Oakland (now known simply as "the Raiders"), he wanted to make sure his players felt like warriors on game day, so he gave them all leather jackets adorned with silver skulls & crossbones – which became known affectionately amongst teammates as "raiders." This symbol quickly spread throughout Raider Nation, becoming one of their most recognizable symbols today!
From these humble beginnings rooted in Las Vegas Raiders history & tradition comes one of America's most popular sports teams, The Las Vegas Raiders representing excellence both on & off the field for generations to come!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
1983, 1981, 1977
AFL Championships 0
1967
Stadium
2020 - Present / Allegiant Stadium
*Oakland*
2019 - 2020 / RingCentral Coliseum
2016 - 2018 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
2012 - 2015 / O.co Coliseum
2011 / Overstock.com Coliseum
2008 - 2011 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
2004 - 2008 / McAfee Coliseum
1995 - 2004 / Network Associates Coliseum
*Los Angeles*
1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
*Oakland*
1966 - 1998 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
1962 - 1965 / Frank Youell Field
*San Francisco*
1961 / Candlestick Park
1960 / Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park
Owner
2011 - Present / Mark and Carol Davis
1983 - 2011 / Al Davis
1976 - 1983 / Al Davis and Ed McGah
1966 - 1976 / F. Wayne Valley, Ed McGah and Al Davis
1961 - 1966 / F. Wayne Valley and Ed McGah
1960 / Y. Charles (Chet) Soda
- 2020
- 2020
-
Relocation to Fabulous Las Vegas
On January 22, 2020, it was announced that the Raiders had officially relocated to Las Vegas. Soon after the announcement, the organization donated $500,000 in an effort to eliminate school lunch debt in the state of Nevada. -
Allegiant Stadium Is Almost Ready
Allegiant Stadium is a domed stadium under construction, located in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It will serve as the home stadium for the National Football League (NFL)’s Las Vegas Raiders and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels college football team. It is located on about 62 acres (25 ha) of land west of Mandalay Bay at Russell Road and Hacienda Avenue and between Polaris Avenue and Dean Martin Drive, just west of Interstate 15. Construction of ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Las Vegas Raiders History
The Las Vegas Raiders History is one of the most unique in the NFL. The team, originally founded as the Oakland Raiders, has moved across cities while building a winning culture. Known for their silver and black identity, they have won three Super Bowls and appeared in five. Over the decades, many legends of Las Vegas Raiders football have worn the uniform with pride.
Al Davis played the most important role in shaping the Las Vegas Raiders History. He owned the franchise for more than 40 years until his passing in 2011. Davis was known for innovation, especially in creating offensive schemes that changed the game. His vision helped make passing attacks a staple of modern football. Coaches like Jon Gruden and Hue Jackson once worked under him before leading teams of their own.
The Raiders’ journey has included several relocations. After starting in Oakland, they moved to Los Angeles in 1982 due to stadium disputes. For 14 seasons, the team played in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. They later returned to Oakland, but once again faced conflicts over stadium rights. This led to another move, with the franchise settling in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders Achivements
The opening of Allegiant Stadium in 2020 began a new era for Las Vegas Raiders football. The move brought excitement, modern facilities, and a stronger connection to fans in Nevada. Since arriving, the Raiders have built competitive rosters and returned to the playoffs in 2017 and again in 2021. These achievements added more milestones to the Las Vegas Raiders History.
Through all changes in leadership, players, and cities, one thing remains the same. The Las Vegas Raiders football tradition represents toughness, determination, and the pursuit of championships. From Oakland roots to the bright lights of Las Vegas, the Raiders continue to be one of the NFL’s most recognized and respected franchises.
Sports Fan Products
Las Vegas Raiders Team History: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth
Embark on a thrilling journey through time with our video, 'Las Vegas Raiders Team History: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth.' This captivating narrative explores the tumultuous and inspiring history of the Raiders, from their promising beginnings in Oakland through their challenging years in Los Angeles and their eventual rebirth in Las Vegas. We delve into the triumphs and trials that have shaped this unique franchise, showcasing legendary periods of dominance, heartbreaking seasons of decline, and their resilient resurgence. We trace the footsteps of iconic Raiders like Al Davis, whose drive and determination set the tone for the franchise, and relive epic moments that have defined the Silver and Black. Join us in honoring the undying spirit and enduring legacy of the Raiders, a team that has always defied the odds and captured the hearts of fans nationwide.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history