Oakland mayor announces agreement on framework of stadium
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Nov 23, 2016
Bay Area reported on Tuesday morning that Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf confirmed that the city has come to an agreement with Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and his investment group, which aims to purchase and redevelop the Oakland Coliseum land.
The framework will now be evaluated by county representatives in a closed session on Tuesday and by the city council in a closed session on November 29. "Both bodies will review so we know if we can move forward".
Ronnie Lott is heading a group that's trying to build a new stadium to keep the Raiders in Oakland. She will now meet with city council and representatives from the area in in-camera sessions for the remainder of the week to further outline the deal.
The Raiders have not yet commented on the framework agreement or the future of the franchise in Oakland.
Davis still needs 75 percent of the owners to approve the move, and that is not guaranteed, especially with some questions about Adelson's involvement (will the casino magnate become a part-owner of the team? if he controls the stadium isn't that sort of the same thing?) and the viability of Las Vegas as an National Football League city for the long-term. Schaaf said she is in favor of using public money to upgrade infrastructure around the stadium in hopes of spurring economic development.
One of two approved teams - the San Diego Chargers - are first in line - the Raiders could re-locate, if they choose, and share the impending stadium in Inglewood, California, with the Rams. The plan still needs the approval of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Oakland City Council.
But even if Davis is slightly open to this 11th-hour attempt to keep the team in Oakland, for now, he loses all leverage unless he remains committed to Las Vegas.
Longtime fan, Ray Perez, who goes by Dr. Death at the Raiders' games, had a more upbeat take on the news, which he called a "very big deal".
In his letter to the staff Wilson says, "I am proud to have been a part of the Oakland Unified School District community and to work alongside such innovative, thoughtful, progressive, passionate and good people".
What are Lott and his partners getting out of this? But she said the group can commit enough money upfront for a new stadium.
Today, though, the Raiders stadium deal in Oakland looks sweet - as long as you don't mind three of the four components being totally absent.
In an interview with KTVU Mayor Schaaf also discussed the Oakland School Superintendent heading to Washington, D.C., and the search for a new Oakland police chief.
