Raiders announce stadium will be empty for 2020 season

The Raiders' first season in Las Vegas will be played without fans.

The AFC West club informed season-ticket holders Monday that fans won't be permitted at home games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.

"There is nothing more important to the Raider organization than the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, stadium workers, and fans," the team said in the statement. "After intensive consultation with healthcare officials and state and community leaders, we have made the difficult decision to play the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 inaugural season at Allegiant Stadium without fans in attendance.

"This decision also ensures fairness to you, our PSL holders, given the challenges and potential inequities associated with determining who can and cannot attend specific games if the stadium were to operate at a reduced capacity," the statement continued. "While the current situation is not how any of us envisioned celebrating the opening of Allegiant Stadium, when circumstances permit we look forward to sharing an unparalleled game-day experience in the magnificent stadium you helped build."

Allegiant Stadium cost $1.8 billion, and its capacity is 65,000 people.

The pandemic has severely hampered the NFL's efforts to highlight the Raiders' debut in Sin City.

The 2020 NFL Draft was scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, but the league was forced to cancel all public events and conduct the draft virtually.

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