La construcción del Coliseo Memorial de Los Ángeles inició en 1921 en memoria de los veteranos de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Su inauguración se dio en 1923 y desde entonces ha sido anfitrión de múltiples eventos históricos y deportivos, en particular el football, las Olimpiadas de 1932 y 1984 y próximamente la Olimpiada del 2028.
Entre los años de 1946 y 1979 fue la casa de los Rams antes de se mudaran a Anaheim donde jugaron 15 años antes mudarse a San Luis, Missouri en 1994. Sin embargo 21 años después regresarían a Los Ángeles y al Coliseo.
Mientras tanto los Raiders utilizaron el Coliseo como su casa entre 1982 y 1994 antes de que regresarán al Coliseo de Oakland en el Área de la Bahía donde jugarán hasta el año entrante antes de mudarse a Las Vegas en el 2020.
Los Raiders tuvieron mucho éxito en sus primeros años en el sur de California al ganar el Super Bowl en el segundo año de su estancia Los Ángeles y mantenerse competitivos en la postemporada. Durante los doce años que el equipo estuvo en el Coliseo de Los Ángeles, registraron una marca de 64-36 en partidos de temporada regular y de 5-2 en la postemporada, incluyendo una victoria ante los Seattle Seahawks por marcador de 30-14 en el campeonato de conferencia de 1983 previo al Super Bowl XVIII en contra de los Washington Redskins jugado en Tampa Bay.
En sus dos visitas al Coliseo durante la década de los setentas ganaron uno y perdieron el otro. Primero perdieron 20-14 en contra de los Rams en 1977 y en 1979 regresaron el favor al derrotarlos 24-17. En calidad de locales contra los Rams, el Plata y Negro tiene la ventaja, 2-1. Primero en 1982 los Raiders ganaron 37-31, mientras que en 1988 los Rams devolvieron la dosis al ganar 22-17. Sin embargo, en el ultimo enfrentamiento entre ambos equipos en el Coliseo antes de que abandonaran el área metropolitana de Los Ángeles en 1994, los Raiders salieron airosos al ganar 20-17 en 1991.
En partidos de pretemporada, todos los que se han dado entre las dos franquicias han sido con los Rams en calidad de local durante los setentas y ahora en el 2018. En esos partidos los Rams tienen una ventaja de 4-2. En 1970 los Raiders perdieron 23-34; en 1972 ganaron 34-9; en 1975 fueron blanqueados, 0-6 y en 1977 regresaron el favor al blanquear a los Rams, 21-0. En 1979 el encuentro se fue a tiempo extra y los Rams superaron a los Raiders 14-20. En el 2018, en el recién disputado partido, los Rams libraron la remontada de los Raiders en la segunda mitad que los acercó a un punto de diferencia a finales del último cuarto para quedarse con la victoria, 19-15.
Aun cuando el partido del sábado pasado fue de exhibición, el ambiente vivido durante toda la tarde fue muy similar a un partido de validez oficial. Con una alta presencia de la Nación Raider, desde el periodo de calentamiento, durante la introducción de los equipos y con cada jugada clave, pareciera que el Plata y Negro nunca dejó este Coliseo y dejo claro el apoyo con el que cuenta en el sur de California, muy similar al partido final de la temporada pasada ante los Chargers en su casa temporal de Carson, California.
En general fue una buena oportunidad para un equipo rico en historia como los Raiders el poder cerrar un ciclo con uno de sus viejos hogares, considerando que ha tenido varios estadios como su casa en California, entre otros (Londres y México), antes de mudarse a Las Vegas.
Un elemento primordial de esa historia la integran los jugadores y en el caso de los Raiders, varias de sus leyendas formaron parte de la transición del equipo entre Oakland y Los Ángeles, tales como Howie Long, Matt Millen, Jim Plunkett y por supuesto el Entrenador en Jefe Tom Flores. Algunas leyendas solo jugaron en LA, en particular Marcus Allen y Bo Jackson. A otras les tocó la transición de regreso a Oakland como Tim Brown y Steve Wisniewski. Por supuesto la leyenda del equipo que estuvo al frente de todo fue el dueño de la franquicia, Al Davis.
Varias de las estrellas actuales como Derek Carr, Amari Cooper y Khalil Mack, serán claves en mantener los ánimos y la intensidad durante este nuevo periodo de transición en lo que la franquicia se muda a Las Vegas para la temporada del 2020.
Por su parte el Coliseo de Los Ángeles tiene una larga historia con el deporte del football ya que fue sede del Super Bowl I y el Super Bowl VII y ha sido casa de los Rams, Raiders y también de los Chargers, aunque ellos nada más jugaron una temporada en su primer año de existencia como equipo original de la AFL en 1960 antes de mudarse a San Diego donde estuvieron 55 años para después regresar a Los Ángeles previo a la temporada del 2017. También ha sido casa de los equipos colegiales de USC y UCLA, los Trojans desde 1923 y los Bruins entre 1933 y 1981.
Otras ligas y equipos que han jugado en el Coliseo de Los Ángeles incluyen a los LA Dons de la AFCC, LA Express de la USFL, LA Xtreme de la XFL y LA Temptation de la LFL.
Take a look through the top images from the Raiders' game against the Rams in Preseason Week 2 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Oakland Raiders tight end Paul Butler (84) celebrates with wide receiver Griff Whalen (13) after a touchdown during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson (82) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) warming up before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (54), linebacker Derrick Johnson (56), and linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nick Nelson (38), running back James Butler (40), wide receiver Keon Hatcher (14), wide receiver Griff Whalen (13), and wide receiver Ryan Switzer (15) walk down the tunnel before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson, quarterback EJ Manuel (3), quarterback Connor Cook (18), and quarterback Derek Carr (4) huddle up in the tunnel before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) and running back Chris Warren III (34) warming up before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76), safety Reggie Nelson (27), and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the coin toss before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58), safety Reggie Nelson (27), and offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76) on the sidelines before the coin toss at The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Shareece Wright (35) before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (18) before The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Shakir Soto (64) subs in for defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders tight end Paul Butler (84) runs upfield during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) looks to make a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Griff Whalen (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders defensive end James Cowser (47) makes a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (18) during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
The Oakland Raiders offense huddles up during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Azeem Victor (57) celebrates with defensive end James Cowser (47) after an interception during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (46) makes a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden speaks with quarterback EJ Manuel (3) during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Rich Bisaccia during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) makes a catch during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) punts upfield during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) watches as safety Reggie Nelson (27) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) make a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
An Oakland Raiders fan during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) watches as defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) makes a sack during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders defensive end James Cowser (47) runs upfield after an interception during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) and kicker Mike Nugent (6) after a converted field goal during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) and cornerback Shareece Wright (35) after a play during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) and defensive end Arden Key (99) celebrate with defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) after making a sack during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders quarterback EJ Manuel (3) throws upfield during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Raysean Pringle (43), safety Dallin Leavitt (45), and linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) looks to make a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders running back Chris Warren III (34) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders running back Chris Warren III (34) runs upfield during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) celebrates after making a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley (21), linebacker Marquel Lee (55), and safety Reggie Nelson (27) make a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Tevin Mitchel (37), linebacker Azeem Victor (57), and defensive lineman Shakir Soto (64) celebrate with defensive end James Cowser (47) after making an interception during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) celebrates after defending a pass during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Antonio Hamilton (32) during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) runs upfield during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nick Nelson (38), linebacker Jason Cabinda (46), and defensive back Tevin Mitchel (37) looks to make a tackle during The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden shakes hands with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay after The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and offensive coordinator Greg Olson pose with Los Angeles Rams quarterback (16) after The Oakland Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 19-15.
