Musburger: Allegiant to be fan’s treat

Brent Musburger misses the fans after looking live at an empty Allegiant Stadium during all 16 Raiders games in their inaugural NFL season in Las Vegas.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Musburger, the team’s radio play-by-play voice, and color commentator Lincoln Kennedy called Raiders home and away games at Allegiant Stadium.

“It was actually hard, the first time we had a live game, for me to get caught up in it,” said Musburger, 81. “I could hear the audibles down on the field and the officials talking. As time wore on, Lincoln Kennedy and I got caught up in it.

“I just so hope we have fans in the stadium next year … I missed them this year.”

When fans are finally allowed to fill the $2 billion, 65,000-seat stadium, Musburger said they’re in for a treat.

“Folks in this city are going to love that stadium. Not just for Raiders games and UNLV games, but for concerts and other events,” he said.

Musburger, who finished his third season as the Raiders’ radio announcer, is thrilled to have the franchise in Las Vegas.

“The NFL really gives this city a major league identity,” he said. “I’m not taking anything away from the Golden Knights.

“But the National Football League puts you in a different category when you have a franchise in the city.”

The Raiders rallied to beat the Broncos in Sunday’s season finale to salvage an 8-8 season. They failed to make the playoffs for the 17th time in 18 years, but gave bettors a Silver-and-black lining by surpassing their season win total of 7½ at Las Vegas sportsbooks.