Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas prepares to host Super Bowl LVIII
Allegiant Stadium, famously dubbed the “Death Star,” is gearing up to host Super Bowl LVIII, marking a significant milestone for both the venue and the state of Nevada. This article will take a look at the complexities of this cutting-edge facility, which promises to provide a distinctive and memorable experience for football enthusiasts.
Legacy of Allegiant Stadium
Inaugurated in 2020, Allegiant Stadium is the brainchild of Raiders owner Mark Davis who orchestrated the team’s relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Situated on Al Davis Way, named after the team’s former owner, this $1.9 billion stadium boasts a capacity of 65,000 and stands as a testament to the NFL’s commitment to innovation. The venue’s impact extends beyond sports, generating $620 million annually for the local area and creating 6,000 permanent jobs in Southern Nevada. The stadium’s engineering marvels include a movable turf field, weighing a staggering 19 million pounds—equivalent to the Eiffel Tower. This sliding field tray, powered by 72 individual motors, facilitates versatility, accommodating events ranging from Raiders games to world-class entertainment, such as concerts and championship games.
Allegiant Stadium, constructed with 105,000 cubic yards of concrete and 28,000 tons of structural steel—outweighing the Statue of Liberty—is a formidable addition to the Las Vegas skyline. Boasting 75,000 square feet of video boards and over 2,300 televisions, it ensures fans are immersed in the action, enhancing their overall experience. The economic impact of hosting the Super Bowl is estimated at around $500 million, solidifying Las Vegas as a premier host city for major sporting events.
Death Star and tradition
The nickname “Death Star”, given by Mark Davis himself, suggests a sense of power and fear, although it’s questionable whether it physically looks like the notorious space station from Star Wars.
The stadium has also been humorously compared to a giant Roomba vacuum on social media, sparking light-hearted banter. Regardless of the nicknames, Davis is confident that his Death Star is built to endure and succeed, distinguishing itself from its cinematic counterpart.
Former head coach Jon Gruden echoed this sentiment, expressing his approval of the name and emphasizing the need for the team to perform exceptionally within its walls. As Allegiant Stadium readies itself for the grandeur of Super Bowl LVIII, the quirky nickname has become a symbol of pride for the Raiders and their fans.
In a nod to tradition, Allegiant Stadium houses a 92-foot tall torch, reminiscent of the torch in the former Oakland Coliseum. Dedicated to the late Al Davis, the torch is ceremoniously lit before each Raiders home game. Carol Davis, Al Davis’ former wife and Mark Davis’ mother, had the honour of lighting the torch for the first time in 2020.
This poignant tribute extends beyond the football field, recognizing various community factions. During the 2020 season, amidst the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, frontline medical workers, local cancer survivors, Allegiant Stadium construction workers, law enforcement agencies, and food bank volunteers were among those acknowledged and given the opportunity to light the torch, fostering a sense of community within the stadium’s hallowed halls.
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