The Las Vegas Raiders are considered a long shot to reach the Super Bowl this season, but fans’ season tickets are being treated as treasure, nonetheless.
In a pleasant surprise to season-ticket holders, the team sent out this year’s passes in a pirate-themed treasure chest adorned with the team’s logo.
The eye-catching souvenir consists of an illuminated treasure map and several medal cases protecting the precious Raiders tickets.
Raiders season tickets start at a reported $2,750, so the gift can hardly be described as a ‘freebie.’ Still, the response online was largely positive as other teams’ supporters admitted to being envious.
‘I’ve never been jealous of raiders fans until now,’ joked one fan on X.
The Raiders sent out this year’s season passes in a pirate-themed treasure chest
Ticketmaster appeared to invite comparisons between its business and piracy with the gift
This particular fan shared images of his tickets online after they arrived in a treasure chest
Interestingly, season-ticket holders – and all Raiders fans for that matter – will be barred from attending this summer’s training camp.
Leaving Las Vegas for an on-the-road training camp atmosphere took the Raiders to Los Angeles, where the NFL rules regarding ‘exclusive home territory’ for teams in the market will prohibit fans from attending practices.
The Raiders would be in violation of the NFL rule protecting a geographic perimeter for the two teams whose home market is Los Angeles — the AFC West rival Chargers and Rams — if they permitted public access or invited local media to training camp.
Owner Mark Davis told ESPN the Rams and Chargers enforced the restrictions, and there are no established paths to overturn the exclusivity clause.
‘It would be nice if all the fans could be there, but, whatever. Like I said, the Chargers and Rams have that ability,’ he said.
Head coach Antonio Pierce said the only reason he would be concerned is if the primary objective of ‘team bonding’ was impacted. From his perspective, the rule doesn’t change things for training camp.
‘Team bonding, getting together and getting to know one another, to get away from all the distractions — it’s all about ball,’ he told ESPN. ‘Just ball.’
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