American Football
The Raiders Fan Convention will hold an off-season conclave in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday 9 April 2016. Conventions will also be held in Oakland and San Diego later in the year. Are similar events in other states planned?
Raiders Fan Convention will hold its first conclave outside California on Saturday 9 April 2016 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Phoenix Airport North in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Raiders Fan Convention has announced plans to hold its first event outside California.
There will be entertainment, vendors, contests, and raffles. Food and drink will be available. As always, Raiders Legends will be in attendance.
“This is a great way to help make the off season go by faster, and you know how the Nation does it – year round,” says Mike Sommers, Co-founder of the Raiders Fan Convention.
Fan Discounts
The hotel will offer discounts to fans wanting to spend the night. Make sure to mention the Raiders Fan Convention when making a reservation. Call (602) 244-8800 for more information.
The first Raiders Fan Convention was held in Northern California in 2008, and they have been an annual event in the Golden State ever since.
Raiders Fan Conventions have been held at various venues in the neighboring cities of Oakland and San Leandro.
They usually take place in November during the regular NFL season.
The first Raiders Convention South was held in San Diego in 2013. Events in Southern California are held during in late summer during the pre-season.
Grand Canyon State
So why was the Grand Canyon State chosen as the first non-California site for a Raiders Fan Convention? It all gets down to demographics.
There is no shortage of Raider fans in these parts. In years past, when the Oakland Raiders faced the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium or the University of Phoenix Stadium, there were often more fans dressed in Silver and Black than Red and Black!
There is “so much Raider Nation in Arizona we wanted to bring the party to them as many might not have been to Oakland or San Diego,” Mike says.
Does that mean a Raiders Fan Convention will be held at a hotel or club near you?
“I am not sure,” Mike says.
“This one is our first one out of state and way off season. If it is successful, we will probably do it more often in various cities.”
Does that include Hong Kong?
“That might be tough!” Mike laughs.
All I can say is, if the Raiders Fan Convention does decide to hold one here, there will be at least one Raiders fan in attendance.
Where
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Phoenix Airport North, 1515 North 44th Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Telephone: (602) 244-8800.
The hotel has two food and beverage outlets and a newly renovated courtyard with swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a gazebo. There is also 11,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate up to 200 people.
All rooms have free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and mini refrigerators.
The hotel is located just over one mile from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and offers complimentary 24 hour shuttle service to and from the airport. A Metro Light rail station is nearby.