Las Vegas Raiders Consider Training Camp Return to Southern California in Costa Mesa

The Las Vegas Raiders may be making a temporary return to Southern California, as the team is considering holding part of its pre-season training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa. The proposal is set to be discussed at the city council meeting on Tuesday.

Costa Mesa City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison expressed excitement about the potential partnership, highlighting the city’s pride in being one of only two cities in the country to host an NFL team’s summer training camp in a publicly owned facility. The Raiders have a strong fan base in Southern California, where they previously played at the LA Memorial Coliseum for 12 seasons.

If the one-year agreement is approved, the Raiders would use the fields at the sports complex from mid-July through August 11. The agreement would also include improvements to the fields, a junior training camp, and other contributions. Currently, the Raiders hold their pre-season training camp at their practice facility in Henderson, Nevada.

The Jack Hammett Sports Complex has a history of hosting top-tier teams, including the University of Alabama and Florida State for championship games. The Chargers previously held training camps at the complex but are set to move to a new facility in El Segundo.

Mayor John Stephens welcomed the potential partnership with the Raiders, citing a shared commitment to excellence. He thanked the Newport-Mesa School District, particularly Costa Mesa High School, for collaborating on the endeavor. The move would make the Raiders the fifth NFL team to hold training camps in the area, joining the Cowboys, Saints, Rams, and Chargers.

Overall, the potential return of the Raiders to Southern California for training camp has generated excitement among fans and city officials alike, with hopes for a successful partnership and a boost to the community.