Antonio Pierce calls on Raider Nation to ‘show up and show out’

Nov 21, 2023, 3:31 PM

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 12: A fan holds a sign referencing defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter of the Raider's game against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Jets 16-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

BY JOSEPH JAROSZ

Former Editor

Four of the Raiders’ final six games are at home. And with a team still in the playoff hunt, interim coach Antonio Pierce is calling on Raider Nation to show up and show out at Allegiant Stadium

As of Tuesday, Nov. 21, Las Vegas sits in the bubble of the AFC playoff picture. With a 5-6 record, they’re third in the AFC East and just outside the last Wildcard spot, held by the 6-4 Pittsburgh Steelers.

This Sunday will be another strong test as the Raiders welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to Las Vegas.

“Having a home-field advantage for us is huge. What we’ve gotten from the last two home games, against the [New York] Giants and [New York] Jets, that has also energized our team,” Pierce said. “So I’m calling on Raider Nation, our fanbase, our alumni, to show up and show out. Bring that energy. Bring that passion. Watch these guys play hard, give their effort, execute at a high level, and play with intention to win every game at home.”

With the help of Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium has become an attraction to visiting fan bases. When the Steelers traveled to Sin City earlier this season, there was a sea of fans in the stadium, so much so that linebacker T.J. Watt thanked fans for traveling after the team’s 23-18 win.

“To be able to have a team on a silent count in their own stadium is pretty demoralizing in and of itself,” Watt said at the time.

That’s why Pierce is asking fans to make Allegiant Stadium theirs.

“That black hole has to be real,” Pierce said. “And when we make that a conscious effort and a mindset, and the fans do the same, it’s a hell of a place to play at.”