It is early in the process, but current polling shows opposition to the proposed Oakland Raiders’ stadium in Las Vegas.
Based on the results of a poll conducted by KNTV and Rasmussen Reports, residents in Clark County oppose public funding for the stadium by a wide margin. Of those surveyed, 55% are against, compared to 35% who are for the plan and a remaining 10% who are undecided. This was the answer to the question if participants were in favor of or against “the use of up to $500 million in state taxpayer money to help finance a stadium that would bring the NFL’s Raiders franchise to Las Vegas.”
At this stage, there are a lot of variables about the proposed stadium that remain unknown. The Raiders are still working with their partners–Majestic Realty and Las Vegas Sands Corp–and several other agencies in determining a site and cost estimate. Meanwhile, the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee was recently granted a two-month extension to deliver a report to Governor Brian Sandoval.
Among the factors that the report is to consider are how the state could fund project, should it choose to do so. That remains a major variable, and one that those involved in the project see as a crux in swaying public opinion. More from KNTV:
The final proposal is still being worked out by the committee, which still needs to determine a site for the stadium and finalize the dollar amount in taxpayer money to request. Stadium backers are calling for an increase in hotel room taxes and the creation of a special tax district around the stadium that would redirect sales tax revenue to support construction costs.
Las Vegas Sands executive Andy Abboud responded to the survey results, saying that voters respond more favorably to the proposed stadium when they learn more about how the tax would be structured.
“The survey question leaves out critical information,” he said in an emailed statement. “Specifically, the public funding would come from an increase in the hotel tax, which is predominantly paid by those visiting Clark County, not its residents.”
Any tax increase would need to be approved by the state Legislature, which is scheduled to convene in February 2017 or can be called into a special session by the governor.
The poll also surveyed voters around Nevada, producing results that were less favorable to the proposal. When including all Nevada residents surveyed, opposition to the stadium jumps to 60%, compared to just 28% in favor. The full breakdown has been posted online.
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