Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders

Thanksgiving in the NFL is about more than just football—it’s about community, gratitude, and shared traditions—and the Las Vegas Raiders have embraced that spirit by creating a series of events that bring players, coaches, and fans together to celebrate the holiday. From community turkey drives to on-field tributes and family-friendly activities at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders have turned Thanksgiving week into an opportunity to give back, honor local heroes, and strengthen the bond with “Raiders Nation.” These events aren’t just one-time gestures; they’re a reflection of the team’s commitment to its Las Vegas community, showing that football success goes hand in hand with supporting the people who cheer them on. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key celebrations, how they connected fans to the team, and the lasting impact of these holiday traditions.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, a week-long community initiative that helps local families in need. This year, the Raiders partnered with Three Square Food Bank—Southern Nevada’s leading hunger-relief organization—to distribute over 2,500 turkeys and complete Thanksgiving meal kits (including stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie mix) to families across Clark County. Players like running back Josh Jacobs, tight end Darren Waller, and defensive end Maxx Crosby joined volunteers at distribution sites, helping load cars, pose for photos, and chat with families. For many recipients, the drive was a lifeline: single mother Maria Gonzalez, who attended with her two children, said, “This means we can have a real Thanksgiving dinner together, something we couldn’t afford on our own. The Raiders caring about us like this makes us feel seen.” The drive also included a “Write a Note of Gratitude” station, where fans and players wrote messages of thanks to first responders and military members—blending holiday giving with recognition for community heroes. The initiative wasn’t just about food; it was about spreading gratitude and showing that the Raiders are invested in the well-being of their neighbors.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders highlights the team’s Thanksgiving Eve “Family Fun Night” at Allegiant Stadium, a free event open to all fans that turned the stadium into a holiday wonderland. The event featured a giant inflatable turkey, a “Raiders-themed” pumpkin patch, and a craft station where kids could make Thanksgiving cards for military families. Players and cheerleaders made appearances throughout the night, signing autographs, taking selfies, and leading holiday games like “Turkey Trot Races” on the field. One of the most popular attractions was the “Gratitude Wall,” a 20-foot board where fans wrote down what they were thankful for—from “my family” to “Raiders football” to “our Las Vegas community.” Head coach Josh McDaniels even stopped by to read some of the notes, telling the crowd, “Thanksgiving is about looking around and appreciating the people who matter most. Tonight, seeing all of you here reminds us why we do what we do.” The night ended with a screening of the classic Thanksgiving movie A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on the stadium’s jumbotron, with fans sitting on the field with blankets and snacks—creating a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere that felt more like a neighborhood gathering than a stadium event.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the team’s Thanksgiving Day game traditions, which turned the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs into a holiday spectacle for the Las Vegas Raiders and their fans. Before kickoff, the Raiders honored 10 local “Thanksgiving Heroes”—community members who volunteer with food banks, homeless shelters, and youth programs—by inviting them to stand on the field during the national anthem. Each hero received a custom Raiders jersey with “Hero” on the back and a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice. During the first quarter, the stadium’s video boards played messages from players sharing what they’re thankful for: quarterback Aidan O’Connell mentioned his family, while Davante Adams spoke about “the support of Raiders Nation every week.” At halftime, the Raiders’ cheerleaders performed a holiday-themed routine set to classic Thanksgiving songs, and fans in attendance received free “Raiders Thanksgiving” bandanas—complete with the team’s logo and a cornucopia design. The Las Vegas Raiders also made sure no fan went hungry: concession stands offered a special Thanksgiving menu, including turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes with gravy, and mini pumpkin pies—giving fans a taste of the holiday while they watched the game. These touches turned a regular divisional matchup into a memorable holiday experience.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders explores the post-game “Gratitude Dinner” hosted by the Las Vegas Raiders for players, staff, and their families—plus a group of 50 lucky fans who won tickets through a team social media contest. Held in the stadium’s premium club lounge, the dinner featured a traditional Thanksgiving feast: roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, green bean casserole, and homemade rolls, all prepared by the stadium’s executive chef. Fans sat at tables with players, sharing stories about their Thanksgiving traditions and talking football. Season-ticket holder Mike Peterson, who attended with his 12-year-old son, said, “My son is a huge Josh Jacobs fan, and getting to sit next to him and talk about his favorite Thanksgiving food was a dream come true. The Raiders didn’t have to do this, but it shows they really care about their fans.” The dinner also included a charity auction, with items like signed jerseys and game-used footballs, and all proceeds went to Three Square Food Bank. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the dinner was a way to extend the holiday spirit beyond the game, thanking fans for their support while giving back to the community.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with the lasting impact of these events and how they’ve become a beloved tradition for the Las Vegas Raiders and their community. What started as a small turkey drive when the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020 has grown into a week-long celebration that touches thousands of lives. The events have not only strengthened the team’s relationship with fans but also positioned the Raiders as a leader in community service in Southern Nevada. According to Three Square Food Bank CEO Brian Burton, the Raiders’ annual turkey drive has helped provide over 10,000 meals to families in need over the past four years. “The Raiders don’t just show up for one day—they’re invested in our mission year-round,” Burton said. “Their Thanksgiving events inspire other businesses and fans to give back, creating a ripple effect of kindness.” For fans, the events have turned Thanksgiving into a time to connect with the team on a personal level, beyond wins and losses. As Raiders Nation member Lisa Martinez put it, “When you see players handing out turkeys or sitting with you at a Thanksgiving dinner, you realize they’re more than athletes—they’re part of our community. That’s what makes being a Raiders fan so special.” In the end, Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of gratitude—of a team thanking its fans, a community coming together, and the power of football to bring people closer during the holiday season.