There might be more Raiders fans in Los Angeles than Chargers fans. That was certainly how it looked as the two teams met on the gridiron on Sunday afternoon.
The Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, but much of their fanbase continues to reside in California. They spent 45 years on the bright side of The Bay and the city really rallied around their team.
Raiders fans in Oakland were known to be some of the most passionate and rowdy in the NFL. That was also true from 1982 to 1994 when the team relocated to L.A./OC and played at the Coliseum, then later Anaheim Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Chargers had their fanbase down in San Diego but that was about it. Los Angeles roots, primarily, for the Rams and Raiders. Some 49ers. And then some Chargers, which is the quaternary team.
It’s mostly Rams and Raiders.
Thus, the Chargers are often at a disadvantage during home games. Their fanbase is frequently out-numbered by the visitors at their home field. That is especially true with the Rams, Raiders and 49ers.
On Sunday, Las Vegas traveled back to Los Angeles to play the Bolts at SoFi Stadium, which fans call Allegiant Stadium West. One young fan (and his dad) even joked that it was his first home game— on the road.
Raiders fans showed up and showed out.
Come kickoff, it felt (and looked) more like a home game for Las Vegas than Los Angeles.
The Chargers got the ball first. Typically, when the home team has the ball, its stadium is quiet.
That was not the case! It was so loud at SoFi Stadium — because of Raiders fans — that Justin Herbert had to cover the earholes on his helmet just to hear the play call.
Shoutout to Raider Nation. They took over SoFi with a purpose!
To make it so that the home quarterback cannot hear inside of his home stadium is impressive.