Five things to know about Las Vegas’ now-open-to-fans Allegiant Stadium

It’s technically the Raiders’ second season in Las Vegas, but in a lot of ways, it feels like the first after last year’s coronavirus-altered proceedings. A relocation can’t feel final until fans are allowed into the stadium, right?

Allegiant Stadium will thankfully be full for nine home games this year after sitting empty, aside from essential personnel, last season. Here’s what you need to know to maximize the experience.

1. Vaccination requirement

The Raiders became the first NFL team to announce a policy that all fans must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend games. Verification is done through the Clear app, which requires a user to provide a selfie and vaccination card that are then confirmed through image-recognition and biometric data software.

Fans can download the app immediately and provide vaccination proof, or do it any time leading up to kickoff. Community Ambulance will set up an on-site vaccination pop-up at every home game so unvaccinated fans can receive their first shot and be allowed admittance as long as they wear a mask throughout.

Children 12 and younger will also be required to wear a mask inside, while those vaccinated are free to go without masks if they wish.

2. Parking

Parking wasn’t as much of a mess as many anticipated for the Raiders’ lone home preseason game, but it was every bit as expensive as folks feared. The limited spots directly around the stadium cost $100, and even non-associated lots in the vicinity ran an average of about $75.

The Raiders are urging fans to book parking ahead through SpotHero.com, the team’s official partner, or

parking.com. Spots on those two sites range from $10 to $100, with locations as far as an 18-minute walk away.

All of MGM Resorts International’s nearby properties—Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York and MGM Grand—offer event parking ranging from $40 to $75. The bridge connecting Las Vegas Boulevard to the stadium plot on Hacienda Avenue will be shut down on game days to allow for foot traffic.

3. Tailgating

The Raiders envision the 6,000 spots nearest Allegiant Stadium, which run $100 per space, turning into prime tailgate location. Season-ticket holders receive first crack at the spots, and if the preseason game was any indication, many of them swooped in to keep the Raiders’ tailgating reputation intact in Las Vegas.

The official Allegiant Stadium lots will open four hours prior to kickoff.

Other tailgating options will be available for those parking farther away, as many resorts have their own pregame parties planned. The biggest one will be MGM Resorts’ Stadium Walk,” touted as “the ultimate tailgate experience.” It’s free and located around the Hacienda bridge.

4. Food

The concessions at Allegiant Stadium are anything but ordinary. They’re loaded with excellent local-favorite choices.

Restaurants with order-at-the-counter locations at Allegiant include Pizza Rock, Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque, Holsteins and Fukuburger. Additionally, celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame have BBQ Mexicana at the stadium, and UNLV graduate and Food Network star Guy Fieri has an eponymous tailgate kitchen and bar there.

Other local heavyweights spread throughout the stadium, mostly at stands, include Jessie Rae’s BBQ, Cafe Lola, Evel Pie, Slidin’ Thru, Pinkbox Doughnuts and many more.

5. Lounge life

A nightclub in the north end zone, the Wynn Field Club, has been the talk of the team, with Raiders players marveling at the new concept and costs that price even most of them out.

Standing room-only tickets start at $750 through wynnsocial.com, where inquiries can also be made for seating. Table reservations run from $7,500 to $60,000, according to sheetsvip.com. VIP treatment, premium bottle service and appearances from its roster of world-class DJs will be on offer at the club.

The Twitch Lounge and Modelo Cantina Club might be more accessible areas to everyday fans. Both are club-seating options, with the former promising an “engaging, interactive experience” from the streaming platform.

Anyone with club-seat tickets will have access to both lounges.