Allegiant Stadium takes center stage in Raiders’ first practice at ‘Death Star’

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 | 7:27 p.m.

Mark Davis opened Friday’s scrimmage by christening his team’s new home the “Death Star,” and after the Raiders’ first session at Allegiant Stadium the players and coaches seemed to be in agreement that Las Vegas’ latest jewel is awe-inspiring.

The Raiders’ afternoon practice at Allegiant served as the first opportunity for most of the roster to take in the new stadium, including field, the locker room and other amenities.

The reviews were overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s the coolest place I’ve seen,” head coach Jon Gruden said. “The bright lights, the natural grass in a dome stadium, a spectacular locker room which you can’t see on TV. It’s a state-of-the-art facility. It’s got everything you could imagine, and I can’t wait to share it with our fans. Like I said, people around the world, entertainers are going to be here and it’s going to be the hot spot, if you ask me.”

The 65,000-seat stadium took about two and a half years to build and cost nearly $2 billion, but judging by the player reactions it was well worth the effort.

Running back Jalen Richard has played the entirety of his four-year career with the Raiders, which means the Oakland Coliseum is the only home stadium he’s known — until now.

Richard was most struck by Allegiant’s outward appearance but complimented the interior as well.

“I haven’t seen a stadium that looks like this, ever,” Richard said. “It’s blacked out. Looks like a nice limousine or a blacked-out H2 Hummer. It just looks real nice and big and aggressive. Then you get inside and it’s just beautiful from the glass. I kind of walked around before the practice today and saw the little party area, the drinks. Walked around to the club areas and stuff. There wasn’t a piece unturned. Everything was nice and finished well. I’m excited.”

Before the start of the practice, Davis addressed the team and welcomed them “home.”

“Welcome to the Death Star, where our opponents' dreams come to die,” Davis said. “This magnificent stadium was built on the backs of thousands of players, coaches, administrators and fans, who for the past 60 years have proudly worn the silver and black. This is our field of dreams. This is our house. The stadium’s personality will be defined by you, so take pride every time you step on this field wearing those famed black jerseys and silver helmets. You are the Raiders.”

The one drawback to the day was the acknowledgement that fans won’t get to enjoy Allegiant’s inaugural campaign in person. Two weeks ago, Davis announced that due to the COVID-19 outbreak the team will not have fans in attendance in 2020.

Gruden said it was a tough blow, especially to Davis.

“It’s crushing,” Gruden said. “I know he’s crushed for not being able to let his fans in here and our sponsors and people that made this thing happen. All I can say is, let’s beat the virus as soon as possible. The sooner the better and when we do, we are going to have some great fun in this facility and Las Vegas will come back stronger than ever.”

Richard looked forward to the day when fans will be able to experience a Raiders game at Allegiant Stadium.

“When this thing is filled,” Richard said, “it’s going to rock.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.