Raiders Return to the Bay for Pivotal 49ers Matchup

On November 4, the Raiders make their first regular-season trip to the Bay Area since moving from Oakland to Las Vegas after the 2019 season, facing the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The matchup was considered for Mexico City, but San Francisco pushed to keep it at home.

The game could shape the Raiders’ direction this season. At 4-4 after beating the New York Jets 38-33, Las Vegas remains in the wild-card race. Another loss might have put the team’s focus more firmly on the future, including first overall pick Fernando Mendoza taking over at quarterback.

The Bay Area has a long history of divided football loyalties. The Raiders and 49ers both built devoted followings in the region, with stars including Kenny Stabler, John Brodie, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Steve Young marking different eras for fans.

Neither franchise ultimately secured a stadium in its former home city. San Francisco found a home in Santa Clara, roughly 45 miles south of the city. The Raiders chose Las Vegas rather than share Levi’s Stadium, with Nevada providing $750 million through a hotel-room tax toward Allegiant Stadium.

The move ended the Raiders’ Oakland tenure, but the team has since developed a following in Southern Nevada alongside supporters who came from Oakland and Southern California. Now the Raiders are returning to the region for a game that counts, giving Bay Area fans a chance to see the matchup in person.