5 Burning Questions About NFL Moving Oakland Raiders To Las Vegas

It’s official. The Oakland Raiders, the self-proclaimed bad boys of the NFL, are moving to Sin City. What could possibly go wrong? Not more than what could go right—meaning, a huge financial windfall for the league. The NFL’s “Show me the money!” owners voted overwhelmingly to relocate the elite franchise (each lining their pockets with $50 million-plus from the Raiders’ relocation fee), so it must be worth it—to them. For Raider Nation, not so much.

The team begins packing for a potential 2020 move which gives Las Vegas two years to Raider-proof the city—perhaps barricade the Las Vegas Strip, secure a backup system for all those bright lights and arm the pirate ship at Treasure Island to protect from rowdy, ransacking Raider lunatics.

Late renegade Raider founder Al Davis might have loved this. Like Las Vegas, the Raiders franchise cherishes its infamous outlaw reputation. How will the Raiders and Vegas co-exist? Will the red-hot Las Vegas market affect the Raiders’ identity? Will it soften the bad boys? How will Oakland fans take this and will they accept future Las Vegas fans? Even current Raiders owner Mark Davis sounds a bit conflicted over the move. There’s been Oakland backlash which Davis tried to quell with an open letter to fans. Tempers and temperatures are rising. But don’t worry, it’s a dry heat. Here are five burning questions regarding the move.

What Will The New Stadium Look Like?

The Raiders are committed to playing at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for at least 2017. By 2020, the Raiders are scheduled to play in a proposed 65,000-seat domed stadium designed by Kansas City-based Manica Architecture. The $1.9 billion stadium will boast a natural turf field, a practice field, retractable translucent roof, and sliding glass walls for open-air ventilation—with a view of the Las Vegas Strip. It will be shared by local university UNLV, according to ESPN. Raider fans can already reserve personal seat licenses for $100. But that’s just to reserve. You can bet the PSL fees will be pricey in a city of high rollers. Many seats will be available to Las Vegas tourists who may become defacto Raiders fans.

Will Oakland Raiders Fans Abandon The Team?

No chance. Raiders fans are among the NFL’s most loyal—especially ghoulish silver-and-black intimidators from the Coliseum’s extremely hostile “Black Hole,” a section where Halloween-style Skeletors, horned freaks, zombies and Darth Vaders taunt opposing teams with insults. Remember, these fans forgave the franchise after leaving Oakland for Los Angeles in 1982. That move actually expanded the Raider fan base. Will Vegas, in what is essentially Cowboys and Broncos country? The Black Hole fans will likely maraud their way to Vegas for the eight home games per year. The Raiders are a nationally famous, well-traveled team, so fan spirit will still be intense—impervious to any fair-weather tourist impact.

Will Gambling Affect Raiders Games?

No more than the usual point spreads—hopefully. But the NFL and gambling are on a collision course more impactful than Draft Kings and fantasy football. Proximity matters. Las Vegas is a unique challenge. Will players bet on their own games? Unless the NFL and each franchise (especially the Raiders) are diligent, players and officials will be exposed to bookies and high-stakes gamblers, which could penetrate the NFL shield—opening the door to potential game-fixing or point shaving (a pro league’s worst nightmare). The counter argument—today’s NFL players are so well compensated, bribery isn’t as likely. The NFL and its formidable security department is fully aware of potential hazards. If any league can pull this off, it’s “The Shield.” Plus, the league has no trouble laying down the law via it’s strict personal conduct policy.

Will NFL Players Succumb To Sin City Temptations?

Casinos, brothels and young rich athletes are a dangerous elixir. NFL players will likely stay in hotels with 24-7 access to casinos. Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper are coming to town and they will be targets (as will teammates and opposing players). How will the NFL protect athletes from these outside forces (and themselves)—via enhanced security? Will players be under strict curfew and forbidden from gambling during season and/or on game days? According to the Las Vegas Sun, Moonlite Bunny Ranch owner Dennis Hof plans to open a new Raiders-themed brothel called “Pirate’s Booty” to coincide with the new stadium opening in 2020. That’s not an announcement, it’s an invitation to players. For the NFL, it’s time for some “New Rules” as many players have shown poor judgment in recent years, casting shade on The Shield.

Will The Universe Explode If Las Vegas Hosts A Super Bowl?

New stadiums in warm weather climes are awarded a Super Bowl birth. A Las Vegas Super Bowl could be nicknamed “Supernova” (it would be the most hyped sporting event ever). The city once hosted the NBA All-Star Game but the event was marred by visiting gangs and riffraff. For a Super Bowl, the governor may have to call in the National Guard, just in case. However, considering how smoothly the NFL runs its annual showcase, the big show will likely go off without a hitch. The hometown Las Vegas Raiders (a team on the rise) could even become the NFL’s first team to win the championship in its home stadium—even pleasing its pissed off fans back in Oakland.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.