Costa Mesa To Consider Hosting Raiders For 2024 Summer Training Camp
by: Tony Dodero
Published: May 6, 2024
COSTA MESA...The City of Costa Mesa is currently engaged in discussions with the Las Vegas Raiders, who have expressed interest in using the Jack Hammett Sports Complex for their 2024 Summer Training Camp.
The City Council will discuss a potential one-year agreement at the Tuesday, May 7 meeting.
“Costa Mesa is proud to be one of only two cities in the country to host an NFL team’s summer training camp in a publicly owned facility,” City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison said. “Jack Hammett is a treasure and we are excited to potentially have a new NFL team training here.”
Mayor John Stephens agreed.
“I’m pleased to welcome the Las Vegas Raiders and their loyal fans, ‘Raider Nation’ to the great city of Costa Mesa for training camp this summer,” Mayor Stephens said. “The Raiders and Costa Mesa share a commitment to excellence, and our partnership will greatly benefit the community. Many thanks to Newport-Mesa School District, especially Costa Mesa High School, for collaborating with us in this endeavor. To quote Al Davis, ‘Just win, baby!’”
As part of the proposed agreement, the Raiders would pay $165,000 in rent to the City along with other significant community contributions that include:
- $600,000 in improvements to the fields at the complex
- Team Junior Training Camp for kids ages 6 to 12
- 100 tickets for local students to attend an NFL game in Southern California
- Donation of outdoor weight training equipment to Costa Mesa High School
- A New Mobile Recreation Van for programs in underserved areas, and
- A $10,000 donation to a local youth sports team
The Jack Hammett Sports Complex’s fields typically undergo renovation during the summer months, ensuring no disruption to regular youth sports teams utilizing the facilities.
Starting in mid-July, the team will use the fields at the Complex for its training camp and will bring fields No. 3 and 4 up to current NFL standards. Additionally, the team has committed to hosting public practices, providing fans with an opportunity to witness their favorite players up close.
The City and the Raiders plan to work closely together to ensure there are minimal disruptions to the community and neighborhoods around Jack Hammett Sports Complex.
Given that the training camp will coincide with the annual OC Fair, the City and the team will collaborate on a comprehensive plan for managing parking and traffic in the area. Photo:CMPIO