Inside the $2bn ‘Death Star’ hosting Super Bowl 58 with a nightclub that costs $700k to sit in and suites so expensive players can’t even afford them
The Raiders left Oakland behind but gained a Super Bowl with their move to Las Vegas.
The official home of the Las Vegas Raiders will be the site of Super Bowl LVIII, as Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs face Brock Purdy's San Francisco 49ers at the Allegiant Stadium.
7
Unique nickname
Costing an estimated $2.15 billion to construct, Allegiant Stadium is the second most expensive stadium in the world behind the Los Angeles Rams' Sofi home.
Allegiant Stadium is a state-of-the art venue that captures all the sleek style of modern Las Vegas but has a dark and powerful nickname: the Death Star.
That's a Star Wars movie nod, with some NFL fans seeing a similarity between the looks of the planet-destroying weapon used by the Empire and the dark home of the Raiders.
"Welcome to the Death Star, where our opponents' dreams come to die," Raiders owner Mark Davis said in 2020 when Allegiant Stadium opened.
READ MORE ON NFL
The team has yet to turn into a serious NFL force in its new venue.
The Raiders went 8-9 this season, firing Josh McDaniels as head coach and burning through another year filled with fan disappointment.
Location
There's no doubt that Allegiant Stadium is world class, pairing with the already famous Sphere to give Vegas one of the globe's premier event setups in a central area.
7
7
Located near the Las Vegas Strip in the heart of the city, Allegiant Stadium is fully enclosed and climate-controlled with a capacity of 65,000.
Most read in NFL
According to the venue's official website, the stadium is expected to generate an economic benefit of $620 million annually while creating 6,000 permanent jobs in Southern Nevada.
Allegiant Stadium features 28,000 tons of structural steel, which is heavier than the Statue of Liberty in New York.
The posh new home of the Raiders has 44 escalators and 2,300 TVs, while the Al Davis Memorial Torch is 92 feet tall.
The field turf is set upon a sliding tray that has 72 motors and weighs 19 million pounds, which is almost as heavy as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
All you need to know ahead of Super Bowl 58 as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to take on San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas, Nevada
Suite life
A spot in the MGM Grand suites is so expensive, it's out of reach of some NFL stars.
7
7
Will Gavin, broadcasting for talkSPORT in Vegas on Sunday, explained: "To give you an example, Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers running back - his mum said they couldn't afford one. That was until McCaffrey's fiance, actress Olivia Culpo stepped in and bought one as a birthday present. And the cost? Between $1.4m and $2.5m.
Even the 'cheap seats' are being sold for as much as $7k on secondary websites, while if you want to sit on the 50-yard line you'll have to hand over around $40k.
Stadium nightclub
There is also the glamorous Wynn Field Club, which brings the Vegas party atmosphere to the edge of the playing surface.
The front row booths for Super Bowl 58 will set you back $700k, while back row booths are $400k.
What do you get for that?
7
World-class DJs, premium bottle service and over-the-top access are promoted, with future events, including The Rolling Stones and COPA America.
Located at 3333 Al Davis Way in Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium is hosting the first Super Bowl in Nevada's history.
Moving the Raiders' organization to Vegas was a game-changer for the NFL and longtime Raiders fans.
Sign up to talkSPORT BET
NFL Super Bowl Betting Offer
Bet £10 Get £20 In Free Bets On the NFL Super Bowl
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on the Super Bowl at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 2x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Money maker
Allegiant Stadium is now set to take center stage for a battle between the Chiefs and 49ers.
7
“Being named a Super Bowl host city is a defining moment in the history of Las Vegas,†said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “An event of this magnitude combined with the energy of Las Vegas is going to be unmatched.
"Our entire city is committed to making Super Bowl LVIII the most electrifying sports spectacle ever. The NFL has been an incredible partner, and we look forward to working with their team, the Host Committee and our partners across our destination to showcase Las Vegas as ‘The Greatest Arena on Earth’.â€
Read More on talkSPORT
Super Bowl LVIII will have an estimated total economic impact of more than $500 million.
The Death Star will be in full operation when Mahomes and Purdy face off with the world watching.
Super Bowl 58 LIVE!
The Greatest Show on Turf live on talkSPORT
Catch live coverage from Las Vegas as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers for a shot at the ultimate prize from 10:30pm on Sunday 11 February