Officials Pitch Raider Deal for Government Approval

OAKLAND — George Vukasin, president of the Oakland Coliseum, told the Alameda County Board of Supervisors at a Tuesday meeting that the deal to move the Raiders back from Los Angeles is a sound one because it returns pro football to the East Bay, creates jobs and does not cost taxpayers.

“The cost of the deal is reasonable; the risk is minimal,” Vukasin told the supervisors, who are expected to approve it after a July 11 public hearing. “This deal is sound, it is responsible, it will work.”

The Oakland City Council took a look at the agreement Tuesday, praising the deal and the negotiations behind it. A final vote by the council also could occur July 11.

The deal includes $85 million in stadium improvements, with bonds to be retired from ticket sales in 11 years, even if the Raiders play to 80% capacity. Also, the Raiders agree to a 16-year lease and will get about $54 million in operating loans.

“There is a new sense of enthusiasm and excitement in the community and a new feeling of pride and, let me tell you, we need that,” Vukasin said.

Fans appear more than ready to fill a stadium expanded to 65,000 seats, even at an average ticket price of $50. Some 65,000 ticket inquiries have poured into the Coliseum, officials said.

Raider owner Al Davis decided to move the team to Oakland from Los Angeles rather than wait for a stadium to be built by 1997 at Hollywood Park.