In the mid-2023 season, the Silver and Black saw a major overhaul after abruptly firing HC Josh McDaniel and GM Dave Ziegler. Since then, Antonio Pierce has been trusted with the playmaker’s job, and he hasn’t disappointed. So much so that the front office decided to make him the permanent head man. He has since brought in this mentality that the players resonate with and a f,ew are even willing to run through a wall for their head coach. They have his back as well since Maxx Crosby asserted that he’d transfer to another team if Pierce hadn’t gotten the head coaching job.

Pierce certainly caught more than a few eyes, as he’s now leading the Raiders to the 2024 season with the back of a 5-4 record. But he has a game plan, and it consists of overcoming Patrick Mahomes. During his recent appearance on Maxx Crosby’s ‘The Rush‘ podcast, Pierce expressed that he not only wishes to get in Mahomes’ head but mess with him mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.

Pierce also recalled how Jordan had to fight through adversity while facing the Pistons, and that’s exactly what he and his Raiders aspire to achieve. He also openly expressed his hatred and said,

“We’ve got to knock off the head of the snake. Fifteen. Hate the color red,” Pierce said. “There’s a hatred for the Chiefs,” as per NBC Sports.

It’s worth noting that Pierce was able to beat the Chiefs on Christmas Day last year while going into the matchup as underdogs. Perhaps his strategy will actually thrive, and we will see the end of the Mahomes Era. So the question remains:

What Did the Pistons Do in Order to Limit Michael Jordan

Let’s travel back to the late ’80s — 1888, 1989, and 1990, to be exact — when the Detroit Pistons dominated the Eastern Conference Finals and overcame the Chicago Bulls in each of the postseasons they faced. Their strategy was simple — the Bad Boys would wear Jordan down both physically and emotionally with their aggressive defense, even double-teaming him when Jordan drove to the basket.

This was called the ‘Jordan Rules’, and former Pistons head coach Chuck Daly once recalled how they would force Jordan left and double him when he was at the point. And if His Airness was on the left wing, they would promptly double-team him from the top, but it would be slow in case Jordan was on the right wing.

This strategy worked until 1991 when the Bulls finally beat the Pistons for the Conference title and would go on to win the NBA Championship in that same year. Fans and pundits alike have argued for decades that if Jordan didn’t have to face the Pistons, he might have added a few more rings. Perhaps Antonio Pierce will also go on to execute a similar level of defense in the coming season — The Patrick Mahomes special. Only time will tell.

The post Antonio Pierce Reveals the Raiders Plan to Intimidate Patrick Mahomes as the Pistons Did to Michael Jordan appeared first on The SportsRush.

As per sources, Jimmy has chosen not to appeal against the decision. This means that the QB is set to miss the first two games of the season. However, he won’t be missing these matches for the Las Vegas Raiders. According to the latest reports from Adam Schefter, after the suspension, the Raiders management has decided to release Garoppolo ahead of the new season. Jimmy was terrible last season for the Raiders missing half the season with injuries.

In the games that he played, he didn’t inspire confidence with nine interceptions in 169 pass attempts. This led to Garoppolo being benched by rookie Aidan O’Connell. Schefter noted that the news will be made official before Garoppolo’s roster bonus due of $11.25 million activates in March. The reputed journalist however did reveal that the suspension of 2 games doesn’t stop Garropolo from engaging in all hygiene pre-season activities.

Story of Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo being suspended two games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substances Policy, league sources told ESPN. Raiders also plan to release Garoppolo.https://t.co/Pa0ejUaYVE

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2024

With the way Garoppolo’s career has been of late, the suspension and release were met with jokes by the NFL community. The best jokes that made the rounds were related to the performance-enhancing drugs and how despite taking them, Garoppolo still couldn’t perform well. Mahomes’ ‘dad bod’ also caught strays when netizens showed Garoppolo it is futile to take drugs when Mahomes can be an MVP with his body.

Didn’t seem to enhance performance

— Matt (@Matthewp07) February 16, 2024

Clearly they didn’t work

— Jake (@HomeGoodsMGMT) February 16, 2024

Did even look at Mahomes body type? no juice needed to be good.

— StephenG (@KP2USA) February 16, 2024

Jokes aside, fans were curious to know what kind of drugs he took to get the ban. Speculations were rife as always.

What prescribed medication is banned by the league?

— The Rational Football League Show (@TheRFLShow) February 16, 2024

The story should be how complicated the ped policy is to follow and how players unintentionally fail to follow the rules. The Union should be screaming about this, especially if this occurred while Garrapolo was injured.

— Chris Donald (@donaldc58) February 16, 2024

All said and done, the 32-year-old has had a tough journey in the last 2 years. Having changed 2 teams in the last two years, the QB is now on the lookout for a third new team in three years. But does he have many options? Let’s analyze.

What’s Next For Jimmy G?

Jimmy Garoppolo’s NFL career trajectory has been a topsy-turvy ride so far. Picked in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick hoped to groom Jimmy under Tom Brady’s tutelage hoping he’d eventually take over the reigns. Unfortunately for Garoppolo, TB12 found the fountain of youth and thus remained a bench player for the Patriots.

Soon after, he was traded off to the San Francisco 49ers where he found the only success in his career by taking them to the Super Bowl. Even for the 49ers however, his injury concerns constantly kept him in the sidelines. Finally last year, the Raiders signed him for $72.75 million. Unfortunately, the stint was disastrous with major injuries and the now doping ban. This has now led to the Raiders releasing him this season.

Does this mean Jimmy Garoppolo is finished? No. Kirk Cousins once called Garoppolo the most underrated player in the league citing his game-changing abilities on a whim when fit. Does this mean Jimmy can be a starter for an NFL team? Certainly not. Jimmy is severely injury prone and it doesn’t make much sense for teams to take a punt on him. However, some teams can make use of his abilities as a backup.

The New York Jets pop first in this list. After Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending injury, much was expected of Zach Wilson last year. However, his failure to step up has now made him a free agent. With Rodgers returning, the Jets would need an able backup considering Rodgers would take some time to get back into his groove.

Garoppolo’s former team, the San Francisco 49ers is another team looking for backup QBs. With Purdy’s No. 2 and No. 3 Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen set to be free agents, the 49ers wouldn’t mind returning Garoppolo to their roster cheaply. After all, Garoppolo’s best performance has come under Kyle Shanahan.

The last credible option for the former Patriots QB is the Denver Broncos. With Russell Wilson expected to be out of the picture, the Broncos are on the lookout for options at QB. While waiting for the draft is an option, having the 12th pick in the first round hampers their prospects of landing one of the top three prospects – Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.

Under these circumstances, having a veteran take charge while grooming a rookie seems the logical step. If the Broncos take this route, their major options are Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo. After letting Wilson go, the Broncos are unlikely to have a lot of money left. So getting Cousins on board is tough. This means Garoppolo has a very good chance of getting a starting position at the Broncos if the stars align.

The post Why Was Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended? Raiders QB’s 2-Game Ban Explained appeared first on The SportsRush.

The push for revising the NFL’s overtime rules gained momentum following memorable playoff games, where the fate of the contest was decided without both teams having the chance to possess the ball. Notably, the Chiefs experienced this firsthand during the 2018 AFC Championship against the Patriots and again in the 2021 Divisional Round against the Bills.

These incidents led to a significant rule change: now, both teams are guaranteed possession in overtime during the playoffs, a departure from the previous sudden-death format, if the first team to possess the ball, scored a touchdown or a field goal. The Chiefs and the 49ers went into overtime during Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday, making it the first postseason game to apply the new rules. The Niners chose to take the ball first, leading to the Chiefs’ game-sealing touchdown. Not only the fans but even Chris Jones was puzzled by his opponent’s decision, expressing,

“They’re crazy. Because the overtime rules have changed where both teams get the ball no matter who scores,” followed by, “So, originally, you want to let the other team get the ball, stop them holding the three, so you know what you got. Or if you stop them, they punt it, then all you have to do is kick three.“

: #Chiefs DT Chris Jones says the #49ers are “crazy” for taking the ball first in overtime, he told reporters.

“They’re crazy. Because the overtime rules have changed where both teams get the ball no matter who scores. So, originally, you want to let the other… pic.twitter.com/cyBSL6ftdP

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 13, 2024

Jones’ rationale was that knowing whether you need to aim for a touchdown or just a field goal could dictate the approach, thus critiquing the 49ers’ choice given the revised rule-set.

Is Chris Jones Moving on From the Chiefs?

Chris Jones, with his three Super Bowl rings and six Pro Bowl nods, might be eyeing a new horizon after making his mark with the Kansas City Chiefs. As his contract winds down, the buzz is all about where he’ll land next. Since the Las Vegas Raiders are really looking to mix things up, they’ve got their eyes on the star DT, who’s all about flipping the game on its head and making any quarterback sweat.

Since the Chiefs are already in trouble with their cap space in 2024, reports suggest that Jones could be looking for his way out and ink a $30 million yearly deal wherever he lands. That’s no small ask, but for a player of Jones’s caliber, it’s the going rate for excellence on the defensive line. Imagine pairing Jones’s knack for disruption with Maxx Crosby‘s record-setting sack streak, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the NFL’s most feared defenses.

It’s also worth mentioning that Jones has nothing but praise for the franchise and during his chat with VegasNation reporter Vincent Bonsignore, the Mississippi State alum noted that the Raiders have one of the top facilities in the league with neat equipment. He also extended his respect for the owner, Mark Davis, in the same interview.

For now, it’s nothing but uncertain. However, it’s no secret that the Chiefs’ secondary held its own throughout the entire 2023 season. If they lose Jones in the upcoming season, the story we’ve been witnessing for the past few seasons could crumble to the ground.

The post Did Chiefs’ Chris Jones Call San Francisco 49ers’ Overtime Decision “Crazy”? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Swift, anxiously watching from her suite at Allegiant Stadium, must have whispered her hit song “Shake It Off” under her breath after the 49ers managed to lead by three points in overtime. What had fans on the edge of their seats was accomplished with a 25-22 win after a breathtaking 3-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes Mecole Hardman.

Travis Kelce was on fire, pulling down nine receptions for 93 yards. Right when it counted, in those high-stakes overtime minutes, Killa Trav showcased his athletic prowess — fighting for every inch and getting the Chiefs closer to a win.

And it’s not just his moves on the field that had everyone buzzing. After the game, Kelce was all hyped up about hitting the Vegas scene. “It’s going to be an absolute blast,” he said, all pumped about the epic vibe in Sin City and the crazy support from the fans. “I’m about to go party my tail off,” he promised, gearing up for a night that’s going to be legendary.

“I’m bout to go party my tail off.”

Travis Kelce talked to @notthefakeSVP after the Super Bowl win pic.twitter.com/7EM8fFY7Fy

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 12, 2024

So, the question remains: Will TayTay join the celebration with her beau in Vegas, where secrets stay within its borders? The probability is quite high.

Travis Kelce Won’t Be Partying Alone

The aftermath of the Super Bowl is as much about the game as it is about the grand celebrations that follow. Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is sparing no expense, hosting an “Owners Party” at the Fontainebleau’s LIV nightclub with a whopping $10 million budget. The inclusion of Calvin Harris, Taylor Swift’s ex, as the DJ for the night, adds an interesting twist to the tale, especially with his fee reportedly more than double his usual rate.

But the extravagance doesn’t stop there. Partygoers can expect to shell out a minimum of $7,000 just for entry, with “upper stage” tables going for $55,000, exclusive of any additional perks like bottle service, as per the NY Post. The night promises to be one of opulence, music, and celebration, reflecting the larger-than-life Vegas spirit.

Adding to the allure, music legends Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg are hosting their own bash at the Wynn, unveiling their new Gin and Juice brand, which the ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ singer unveiled last month. With the Chiefs and the 49ers also throwing their private parties, featuring performances by The Chainsmokers, among others, the city is set to pulsate with energy and excitement.

Taylor Swift’s presence, whether physically or in spirit, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the festivities. Her connection to Travis Kelce and the subtle influence of her “lucky charm” status bring a touch of celebrity glamor to the mix, making this Super Bowl afterparty in Vegas a night to remember.

The post Super Bowl Afterparty Vegas 2024: Travis Kelce Is Ready to Party His ‘Tail Off’ After Another Title Win appeared first on The SportsRush.

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him 36th overall in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Following this, he signed a 4-year, $3.09 million contract with them. After serving as a backup in his first season, he finally earned the title of starting wide receiver in 2002. Moreover, impressed by his performance in his first three years, the Bengals offered him a 5-year, $26 million contract extension.

After a year left in his second contract, Ocho accepted another one. This time a 6-year, $35.5 million extension with the franchise in 2006. After six more years with the Bengals, they traded him to the New England Patriots in the 2011 season. Johnson started in 132 of 151 games for the Bengals in 10 seasons and recorded 751 receptions, on 1340 targets for 10789 yards and scored 66 touchdowns.

In July 2011, he signed a 3-year, $11.95 million contract with the Patriots, but he started in only three of 15 games, recording 15 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots later released him in 2012, and he accepted a 1-year, $925k contract with the Miami Dolphins. However, it didn’t work out, and the team released him right before the season started. His NFL journey concluded in 2011, with his total career earnings from the league over 11 years totaling $48.8 million.

After his time in the NFL, he tried his luck in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Montreal Alouettes but didn’t find much success. He played only five games in the 2014 season and faced suspension the next year for missing spring training. His last professional football outing was in 2017 when he suited up for the Monterrey Fundidores in the Mexican Liga De Futbol Americano Professional for just one game.

As of 2024, Johnson’s net worth stands at a solid $15 million. Besides football, he ventured into various projects that boosted his wealth. One notable venture was the release of the iPhone game “Mad Chad” back in 2010. Additionally, he showcased his skills beyond the gridiron by participating in season 10 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010, where he paired with two-time champion Cheryl Burke. He also headlined his own reality dating show on VH1, “Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch.”

Adding to his diverse portfolio, Johnson lent his voice to EA’s 2006 video game “NFL Street 3” and even graced the cover of the game.

Is Chad Johnson Returning to the NFL?

Now after spending 13 seasons off the field, Chad Johnson once again might make an appearance in the NFL, not as a player or a coach but as a possible advisor for the Las Vegas Raiders. Ocho recently went live on Instagram where he announced his next stint with the Raiders. Ocho stated,

“Yes, I got a job with the Raiders. Not as a staff member but as a member of the organization. I’m not sure what it is exactly … but I will be a part of the team, and that’s an amazing thing.”

A few hours before announcing his Raiders job, Johnson had revealed on X, that he had dinner with Raider’s head coach Antonio Pierce where he likely discussed with him the job opportunities within the team. He also added that if he is appointed, it will be his 39th job overall.

Having dinner with Antonio Pierce & I’m going to ask for a job with the Raiders in some capacity to help diversify my portfolio/resume, this would be my 39th job if all goes well

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 7, 2024

Pierce later confirmed the news by responding to one of Ocho’s deleted posts. In it, the head coach stated “taking over the NFL with former players like 85…coaching up 17.” Here, “85” refers to Chad Johnson, who wore that jersey number during his NFL career. The mention of “17” hints at Raiders’ WR Davante Adams.

Taking over the NFL with former players like 85 … coaching up 17 https://t.co/GBREbaqdrJ

— Antonio Pierce (@AntonioPierce) February 7, 2024

While Chad Johnson hasn’t formally coached any NFL team, he did assist the Cleveland Browns’ receivers during their training camp in 2016. As for the Raiders, they haven’t disclosed Johnson’s specific role yet. It’ll be fascinating to see how the franchise utilizes the expertise of such a talented former player.

The post Chad Ochocinco Johnson Net Worth: How Much Has the Former Bengals WR Earned Thus Far? appeared first on The SportsRush.

The San Francisco 49ers have chosen the state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Situated in the heart of Las Vegas, UNLV boasts one of the finest college football facilities. The UNLV, which is offering the Niners an ideal environment to fine-tune their game, needs more than just an introduction.

As this year's Super Bowl away team, the 49ers are practicing at UNLV — the nicest college facility in Las Vegas.

• 73,000-sq-ft
• 112-person locker room
• 10,000-sq-ft weight room
• Recovery room & barber shop

Lorenzo Fertitta (UFC) donated $10 million for the facility. pic.twitter.com/KPInITJaiD

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 6, 2024

The UNLV practice facility is an impressive 73,000 square feet of space. It boasts a 112-person locker room, a 10,000-square-foot weight room, and a lot to contribute to player wellness. There is a dedicated recovery room and even an on-site barber shop for that sharp appearance.

This provides a great opportunity for the mighty Niners who need to put forth a championship-worthy performance after a successful season. However, an unprecedented hurdle hit the San Francisco 49ers just ahead of the Super Bowl LVIII.

San Francisco 49ers Unimpressed with World-Class UNLV Practice Field

The San Francisco 49ers’ preps for the Super Bowl LVIII have hit a roadblock with concerns arising over the field conditions at UNLV. Sources from the 49ers expressed widespread disapproval of the field, citing issues with its playability and hardness. According to the reports, the NFL installed a sod field on top of field turf at the UNLV facility just last week. This is a stark departure from the league’s usual practice of ensuring Super Bowl practice fields meet specific standards well in advance.

Sources via ESPN indicated that the hardness score of the field falls significantly below the NFL’s acceptable threshold. The readings comply with a mere 50, compared to the standard average that lies at 78, per league. Reportedly, there are also seams at the connecting sections of the field, which presents a challenge in navigation. The Niners are also dealing with weather-related issues, which has adversely affected the field further.

Breaking: The notorious unpredictiability of Nevada weather is affecting the 49ers. Thundershows that have rained ONLY on THEIR practice field and nowhere else have left it hazardous to play on. 49ers GM John Lynch has begged Chiefs GM for help, but his calls were not returned pic.twitter.com/cUucWTkIUm

— J.C. VOTE YES! April 2 (@rock_climber02) February 6, 2024

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, defended the playability of the field. He stated that numerous experts and field inspectors have deemed it suitable for practice. Goodell also emphasized that while the field may be softer for the San Francisco 49ers  who are accustomed to Levi’s  Stadium, the testing standards are being met.

In contrast to the 49ers’ practice conditions, the SB defenders Kansas City Chiefs are utilizing the Las Vegas Raiders’ turf. While this presents the 49ers at a disadvantage, they are familiar with Vegas’ facility, having shared it before their offseason matches with the host team.

Then again, the issue of playing surfaces at the Super Bowls is not unprecedented. During the Super Bowl LVII, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles were seen struggling to maintain sure footing. Now, if the teams find a way around their struggles, the hardships train them to present a fiercer facade for their opponents and avoid any last-minute failures.

The post Where Are the San Francisco 49ERS Practicing for the Super Bowl? appeared first on The SportsRush.

pic.twitter.com/AuuJOfrsFr

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) February 2, 2024

Weathers’ NFL career started in 1970 when he signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of San Diego State University. Weathers went on to have a less-than-spectacular football career, playing just eight games as a Linebacker across two seasons. He then embarked upon a stint in the CFL for BC Lions and played 13 games for them, before from football altogether in 1974.

While he was in college, he had a passion for acting as he pursued a degree in theatre arts. After a season in the CFL, he went to San Francisco State University, where earned himself a bachelor’s in drama. Soon after his retirement, he turned his passion into his profession and landed himself some small roles in movies like Bucktown” and “Friday Foster,” as well as TV series including “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” “Cannon” and “Starsky and Hutch according to Variety.

His first big break came when auditioned for Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Rocky’ where he ended up getting the part of Apollo Creed. Tributes poured for the beloved Rocky and Happy Gilmore actor. Fans took to social media to express their condolences. Fans said,

Rest In Peace legend! My condolences to his family!

— Clockwork (Ting dun) (@It_s_a_trap) February 2, 2024

Another wrote,

Damn RIP a legend

— Taifa.eth (@Phucking_Taifa) February 2, 2024

Someone stated,

#RIPchamp

— 9×16 (@9x16tv) February 3, 2024

A fan quipped,

Once a Raider, always a Raider.
A good actor with a heavyweight personality.
Impossible to imagine the Rocky saga without him.

One of top physiques in the history of Cinema.

Keep punching. pic.twitter.com/rys3Op6i92

— Manolo (@PatodelMayab1) February 2, 2024

A user said,

REST IN PEACE LEGEND! YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED

— Manbek Mathews (@ManbekMath20) February 2, 2024

Others wrote,

RIP Carl Weathers.! I grew a Rocky fan, so thank Sly for being a childhood legend to me. Watching you and Carl in the movie was great to watch. Same with every movie I saw Carl Weathers in. Predator, Action Jackson, Happy Gilmore, and even the Mandalorian. RIP Carl Weathers!

— Jon E Miller (@JonEMiller4) February 3, 2024

His Former Rocky Co-star Sylvester Stallone, also mourned the passing of Apollo Creed. He took to Instagram and gave credit to him for being such a huge part of success and life. He said Weathers exuded greatness and credited him for the success of Rocky. In a caption he wrote,

“We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.”

 

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A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone)

Carl Weathers, A Life of Grit, Dedication and Never Giving Up

Born to a day laborer in New Orleans, Louisiana, Carl Weathers always had a penchant for sports growing up. A three-sport athlete in St. Augustine High School, he graduated from high school on an athletic scholarship and went on to play college ball at San Diego State where he primarily played as a Defensive End.

After a short football career, playing in both NFL and CFL, Weathers quit football and transitioned into acting. After some small roles in various movies and TV shows, he landed his first major role as Apollo Creed in Rocky when real-life boxer Ken Norton withdrew from the film. Even though he was the least favorite to land the role, he was called in to read his lines but ended up criticizing the method acting of Stallone, who was reading beside him for the part of Rocky Balboa.

His candid honesty got him the job but according to Weathers, he got the part because Sylvester wanted to beat the crap out of him. While on the Rich Eisen Show, former Raider said,

“At the end of the reading, it’s like crickets. I thought I blew the interview, so I chirp out, ‘Well, if you got me a real actor, I could probably do it a lot better’. I think I got the job because Sly wanted to beat the hell out of me.” as per Far Out.

That was the turning point in his acting career as went on to reprise his role in sequels to the Rocky franchise. The role opened the doors for him as the movie became a cult classic. His life teaches when one door shuts, another door opens. You just have to be patient and work hard towards your goal with all the dedication and grit.

The post “Rest in Peace Legend”: Raider Nation Pays Respect to Former Linebacker Turned Actor Carl Weathers appeared first on The SportsRush.

The NFL stands as one of the most lucrative leagues, generating roughly $20B in revenue. Hosting the season’s grand finale is considered a prestigious honor for the city. With SB extravaganza on the horizon, Las Vegas is sparing no expense, reportedly shelling out a whopping $60m to serve as the event’s host.

Two distinct categories encompass the costs associated with hosting this prestigious event: Direct operating costs and Event-related costs. Direct costs comprise various elements such as staff, sponsorship, public safety, advertising, marketing decor, media, PR, hospitality, offices, professional services, insurance, and finally contingency. The contingency alone accounts for 25% of all the direct costs, totaling around $5m. In total these direct costs are estimated to reach approximately $20m.

On the other hand, event-related costs encompass NFL expense reimbursement, stadium costs, hotels and meeting spaces, parking and transportation, Super Bowl events, tickets/suites, volunteers, permits, practice facilities, technology, accreditation center, and contingency. The aggregate for these event-related costs amounts to $40m, with$17m designated as NFL expense reimbursement.

Cities hosting the Super Bowl are coughing up quite a bit to have the big game in town.

According to @LVSportsBiz, Las Vegas is paying $60 million to host the Super Bowl, including $17 million for “NFL Expense Reimbursement” and $6 million for “contingency”.

Wild numbers. pic.twitter.com/1wQ4QrpnfL

— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) January 29, 2024

Allegiant Stadium will be hosting the event for the first time. The Raiders stadium is one of the most modern and newly built stadiums and naturally, it cost a lot to build that.

How Much Did it Cost to Build the Super Bowl 58 Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas?

The Allegiant Stadium stands as one of the most modern and state-of-the-art stadiums in the country. However, like many impressive things, its construction came at a significant cost. Despite not being the largest and exterior resembling a Roomba, the stadium carried a hefty price tag of $1.9 billion, making it the 2nd most expensive stadium, surpassing only So-Fi Stadium, which commanded a whopping $5.5b.

Funding for the stadium came from various sources with taxpayers contributing roughly $800m and $1.1b coming from the Raiders. The stadium boasts cutting-edge features like a dome and interchangeable surfaces. The field sits outside where it is continuously irrigated as the city of Vegas gets plenty of sunlight. The field sits on the tray, which takes 65 minutes to retract inside the stadium. However, despite its modern amenities, the stadium’s capacity is limited to only 65,000 people, making it just the 28th largest in the league.

 

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A post shared by Zach Rosas (@zachrosas95)

The value of the Raider’s franchise has substantially increased from $2.9b to around $6.2b since they moved from Oakland to Vegas.

Despite the proponent’s belief that hosting the event brings in a lot of money, many have refuted the claims claims. So why does the city want to host the Super Bowl?

How Much Will Las Vegas Likely Earn As the Host’s?

The Super Bowl will make Las Vegas an estimated figure of $500m-$700m as per some sources, which is to be believed extraordinary given the estimated cost is only $60m. The optimistic figures are however based on the claim that Arizona generated $1.3b when the state hosted the SB. Authorities also claim that over 300k people visited Vegas when Atlanta hosted the SB in 2019 and that brought a whopping $425m in the economy. With the city itself hosting this year’s event, the figures would be much higher as per 1027.VGS.

But how are estimating such figures if the stadium can host 65k people? It is because Vegas offers a host of other activities besides the main event. Vegas is a city of spectacle and pizzazz and is bound to shine when it comes to hosting an event filled with spectacle. While not everyone can watch the action live from inside, people would have a chance to take photographs with players participating in the SB. Tickets start at $30.

The Mandalay Bay Convention Centre will host a football theme park-like experience where fans could take snaps with NFL legends, Lombardy Trophy, SB rings and play interactive games, and attend youth football clinics. The tickets for this event will cost somewhere between $25 to $50 depending upon the day.

Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Hotel will host the 25th Annual Super Bowl soulful celebration, a few days before the SB. Vegas authorities expect gambling to be also on the rise during the SB.

However, the claim that SB will generate an excess of $500m is debunked by economists such as Carl Matheson who believes that the actual number is around $30-$130m according to Business Insider.

How Much Would It Cost to Attend the Super Bowl 58?

Fans would have to shell out a few thousand quid if they want to enjoy the game at Allegiant Stadium. Super Bowl 58 is going to be one of the most expensive in NFL history. The average ticket price is expected to be higher than previous SBs, ranging from $10,527 to $12,082. The cheapest ticket costing $8000 for Allegiant Stadium will be further away from the action.

Most hotels have already been booked in advance, leaving the rest to charge higher prices due to high demand. The cheapest rooms in hotels like Circus are charging $312.50 per night. While others like Fontainebleau, listed their cheapest room at $1,660. Properties closer to the stadium are charging upwards of 2 grand. Most other hotels offering 2 nights of stay are charging somewhere between $650 and $1,700 per night as per Rochester First.

The average cost of food inside the stadium inside the stadium is expected to be $130 including alcohol.

The cost of hosting will continue to rise, but as they say, it takes money to make money. This edition promises to be a spectacle. The 49ers will be looking to win their first SB since 1994 in what happens to be a repeat of the 2019 edition. The Chiefs are however will be looking to cement their dynasty. Super Bowl 59 will take place at the Superdome in New Orleans, which will host its 11th SB.

The post What is the Cost of Doing Super Bowl 58? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Moreover, with the team now heading to the Super Bowl and set to play at the very same stadium, several media houses have made the tale reach the fever of headlines. The Sports Director at KLAS-TV and 8 News, Chris Maathius, decided to get to the bottom of this rumor. He hopped on a mission to uncover the truth behind this mysterious story.

 

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The saga unfolded with two ardent Kansas City Chiefs supporters actively involved in constructing the future abode of the Las Vegas Raiders. One fan, Chris Scherzer captured a moment, photographing the second fan Gerard DeCosta proudly displaying a Kansas City Chiefs flag at the construction site. According to local labor union leader Tommy White, DeCosta has long been an avid Chiefs fan.

Now, Scherzer shared the photo of DeCosta holding the flag and claimed it was entombed in soil and encased in concrete prior to the construction of the stadium. This revelation sparked outrage in Raider Nation. Mark Badain, then-president of the Raiders, reached out to Tommy White to verify the authenticity of the claim.

White had to locate DeCosta for clarification and that is when his crucial role started in uncovering the hoax, per ABC27. When he reached out to Gerard DeCosta with questions about the purportedly buried flag, DeCosta promptly handed it over. He revealed the truth and admitted to the elaborate ruse.

“He just told me the full story about it. This is his flag. It’s never been buried.” White said.

DeCosta, the mastermind behind this Chiefs’ history bluff seven years ago, is now hoping to witness the Super Bowl in Las Vegas so that he can publicly dismiss the myth.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Star Patrick Mahomes Surprised A Young Fan With Super Bowl Tickets A Month Ago

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes donned the role of Santa in a heartwarming gesture post-Christmas, delighting young fan Issac Murdock with tickets to Super Bowl LVIII. Murdock was initially at the Chiefs’ facility for what he believed to be a routine interview about the MVP quarterback, however, his experience took an extraordinary turn.

Mid-interview, Mahomes made a surprise entrance, presenting Murdock with the coveted Super Bowl tickets, crafting a timeless memory for the young fan.

Issac Murdock’s eyes welled up with disbelief and joy as Patrick Mahomes, his idol, presented him with Super Bowl tickets. Such heartwarming gestures resonate deeply with fans and most probably become one of their greatets memories.

Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are recognized for their active role in the Kansas City community. They continue to honor the commitment to uplifting lives and creating positive impacts beyond the field.

The post Fact Check: Was a Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom Flag Actually Buried Under Allegiant Stadium by a Construction Worker? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Mitchell Schwartz, the ex-offensive lineman, recently engaged in a Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter). When a football fan asked about the best and worst visiting locker rooms, Schwartz openly shared his insights. He wrote, “Best: Denver, Dallas. Worst: Chargers (new stadium still sucks for the locker room)”

Here is the visiting locker room at SoFi Stadium, which will house the Vikings on Sunday vs. Chargers. Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden called it a “maze.” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called it a “mess” because there is no space to have a full-squad meeting. pic.twitter.com/olQ1v97Ztz

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) November 13, 2021

Currently, the Los Angeles Chargers share the stadium with the Los Angeles Rams as tenants. While both teams enjoy spacious and attractive locker rooms, the visiting locker rooms tell a different story. Former Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden found them so perplexing that he likened them to a “maze”, calling it the most bizarre thing he had ever seen.

Inside the Chargers locker room at SoFi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/O5btQiJFos

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 8, 2020

When another user on social media probed Mitchell Schwartz to elaborate on why the Chargers’ visiting locker rooms are subpar, he highlighted two key aspects. First, limited space, and second, the state of the toilets. Going into detail, Schwartz explained that the confined space leads to a hot and sweaty atmosphere after games, with poor ventilation preventing it from cooling down.

Visiting locker rooms are about two things: toilets and space. Toilets is self explanatory, space is an issue mostly post game when everyone is hot and sweaty and trying to change/shower and you just keep sweating and never cool down. https://t.co/x38Sgidn6q

— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) January 26, 2024

This isn’t the Chargers’ first encounter with criticism about their visitor’s locker rooms. Former fullback Chris Gronkowski once accused them, back when they were in San Diego, of having the worst visitor locker rooms at their home stadium there as well.

The NFL has 32 teams, each playing both home and away games throughout the season in 30 dedicated stadiums. Interestingly, four teams share two stadiums – the Giants and Jets in New York at MetLife Stadium, and the Rams and Chargers in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. However, soon the Chargers will have their new stadium ready by the start of this season.

How did the Chargers shift from partnering with the Raiders to teaming up with the Rams?

Back in 2015, there were reports about the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders considering a move to Los Angeles. In the final stages, the two teams planned to share a new stadium in Carson. The Carson, California City Council, gave unanimous approval to the billion-dollar NFL stadium project for the Chargers and Raiders.

The estimated cost of the stadium was over $1.7 billion, set to be constructed on a 168-acre former landfill, with a seating capacity ranging from 65,000 to 75,000 spectators. However, despite board approval, there were delays in the construction of the stadium.

In 2017, the Chargers bid farewell to San Diego, relocating to Los Angeles. They played in a soccer stadium for three seasons, expecting a new home turf. Meanwhile, in 2020, the Raiders left Oakland, choosing Las Vegas as their new base. They constructed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, now their home turf and the Chargers also shifted to SoFi Stadium alongside the Los Angeles Rams and continue to call it home.

There’s no update on when they’ll host home games in their new stadium. But when that happens, the spotlight will likely be on the visitors’ locker room. Given the not-so-great feedback from current and past stadiums, some even wonder if they might intentionally keep it challenging for visiting teams.

The post Former Kansas City OT Mitchell Schwartz Candidly Explains Why LA Chargers Have the Worst Visiting Locker Room in NFL appeared first on The SportsRush.