Raiders head coach Jon Gruden celebrated his return to the Silver & Black and the upcoming season by throwing a party for Raider Nation at the well-known Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill. To no surprise, Raider Nation showed him love in a big way.
Ricky’s had to limit the crowd to 500 fans due to regulations by the fire marshal, but not a single opening went unused as Raider Nation lined up early for the party.
Gruden was of course in attendance, along with many other Raiders alum including Lester Hayes and Cliff Branch. Ricky’s announced on Twitter earlier in the week that Gruden was paying for the catering and entertainment himself to give Raiders fans the opportunity to celebrate the upcoming season. The Raiders and Coach Gruden also had plenty of free swag for the fans in attendance.
Chuck throwing out free t-shirts to #Raiders fans @rickysportsbar pic.twitter.com/gieSr3a8H7
— DeMarcus Davis (@DeMarcusRFNET) July 21, 2018
Hayes grabbed the mic at one point, assuring Raider Nation that coach Gruden would win them a championship.
#Raiders Lester Hayes ladies & gentlemen… pic.twitter.com/ojGPJIXtkX
— DeMarcus Davis (@DeMarcusRFNET) July 21, 2018
The Raiders report to Napa for training camp next week, with the first full-squad practice on July 29. It still remains to be seen if they’ll be joined by their defensive standout Khalil Mack will join them. Mack has held out the offseason workout program as he looks for a new longterm contract.
Check out pictures from the event below: