From Huntington Beach Pier where the Pacific Ocean is visible, to bustling city squares filled with bars and restaurants, Southern California sets the stage for the Raiders’ return.
Flying above one local pub is a unique flag that blends Raiders and Dodgers themes, a sight that signifies the region’s diverse fan base. At Killarney’s Irish Pub, Sunday afternoons during NFL season draw crowds donning silver and black.
An emcee leads the atmosphere, accompanied by the Raiders’ anthem “The Autumn Wind” playing on all 15 indoor TVs and four outdoor screens tuned to Las Vegas games.
“Here, the atmosphere is quite special,” remarked Clay Dale, general manager of Killarney’s. “It’s a very engaging environment, pun intended.”
While the Rams and Chargers are rooted in Los Angeles, the Raiders maintain a strong presence in Southern California. Currently, they’ve returned to Costa Mesa for their training camp, formerly occupied by the Chargers, just a short drive from Killarney’s.
However, due to marketing territory claims by the Rams and Chargers, the Raiders won’t engage their Southern California fan base directly during preseason practices, limiting attendance to media and select VIPs.
Owner Mark Davis downplayed the restriction, emphasizing the team’s focus on bonding and considering their former training camp in Napa. Tom Telesco, the Raiders’ new general manager and former Chargers GM, facilitated the move to Costa Mesa, marking a new chapter for the team in Southern California.
“It’s a great setup, although it’s not all in one place,” Davis commented. “Traditionally, we’ve always had our facilities and accommodations together on our campuses. This setup requires a bit of adjustment, but it’s going to be excellent.”
Moving training camp from their Henderson, Nevada headquarters is a bit of a homecoming for coach Antonio Pierce, who grew up in nearby Compton as a Raiders fan.
“When the plane landed, I couldn’t help but smile,” Pierce said. “It feels good to be back home. I’m excited for our players to be here, enjoy the pleasant weather, and have a change of scenery.”
Pierce mentioned that the temperature was around 105 degrees when he left Las Vegas, which is about 30 degrees hotter than in Costa Mesa. The cooler temperatures in Southern California allow the Raiders to schedule practices at more favorable times. When they return to Nevada in mid-August, they plan to practice at night.
This is Pierce’s first training camp as a head coach, having been hired in the off season after serving as interim coach last season and achieving a 5-4 record.
Pierce faces several decisions, especially at quarterback where Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are competing. He emphasized there’s no rush to name a starter, and both quarterbacks start camp with equal opportunity.
For Pierce, becoming a head coach is fulfilling a dream of being in charge. He noted that being away from fans and family responsibilities for a few weeks allows players to concentrate fully on their duties.
