Raiders are welcomed to the Death Star: ‘Future really starts’

The Las Vegas Raiders’ first event in the beautiful, new Allegiant Stadium was just a normal Friday training camp practice on paper.

But this was far from an ordinary day in camp. That became evident when Raiders’ owner Mark Davis — standing at the giant torch that memorializes his late father, Al Davis — had a message to his team watching from the field:

Here is Davis’ full welcome message to his team before they practiced at their new stadium:

“Greetings. Welcome to the Death Star, where our opponent’s dreams come to die. My father always said that the greatness of the Raiders is in its future. Well today that future really starts.

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.

There will be many personal accomplishments out here on this field. Someone on this field today will make the first tackle; somebody will score the first touchdown, and somebody will make the first interception, but most importantly it is what we do as a team. So, I will leave you with three words, ‘Just Win Baby.’ Welcome home.”

Just like that, they now are fully entrenched as the Las Vegas Raiders. They will likely practice a few more times at the stadium before playing their first game there (without fans, including Davis, who won’t attend games because fans can’t) September 21 against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

Let’s take a look at some of the better shots of the Raiders’ first day at Allegiant Stadium: