If you’re typing "what time does the Oakland Raiders game start" into your phone, I’ve got some news for you. Some of it’s good, some of it’s a reality check, and all of it matters if you’re trying to catch the Silver and Black.
First thing’s first: They aren't in Oakland anymore. They haven't been for a while. It’s been years since the move to the desert, yet the search traffic for the "Oakland" moniker is still surprisingly high. Old habits die hard, especially in the Black Hole. But if you’re looking for a game today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the answer is a bit complicated.
The Raiders' 2025-2026 regular season wrapped up on January 4th with a 14-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Since they finished with a 3-14 record, there is no playoff game tonight. No kickoff. No tailgate at Allegiant Stadium. Just the quiet hum of a front office trying to figure out who their next head coach will be.
What Time Does the Oakland Raiders Game Start Usually?
When they are playing, the timing follows a pretty rigid NFL logic. Most home games in Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) kick off at 1:05 PM PT or 1:25 PM PT. That’s the "late window" for the East Coast, but it’s the sweet spot for West Coast fans. It gives you just enough time to hit a sportsbook or a buffet before the first whistle.
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Night games are a different beast. If they’re on Monday Night Football or Thursday Night Football, you’re looking at a 5:15 PM PT start. Basically, as soon as the sun starts to dip behind the Mandalay Bay, the lights go up.
The 2026 Offseason Schedule
Right now, the "game" is all about recruitment. The team is currently interviewing candidates like Jesse Minter and Ejiro Evero for the head coaching gig. If you’re checking the clock for the next big milestone, here’s the timeline:
- NFL Scouting Combine: Late February. This is where the future of the roster starts.
- Free Agency: March 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM PT. This is when the "legal tampering" ends and the real money moves.
- NFL Draft: April 2026. Given that 3-14 record, the Raiders will have a very high pick.
Why the "Oakland" Search Still Exists
It's kind of fascinating, honestly. People still search for the "Oakland Raiders" because that identity is baked into the DNA of the NFL. You’ve got three generations of fans in the East Bay who refuse to change their Google settings.
But if you actually want to see a game, you have to look at the Las Vegas schedule. In 2026, they’re slated to play the AFC East and the NFC West. That means games against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and the San Francisco 49ers are coming up. Those "Battle of the Bay" vibes are still there, even if the GPS coordinates have changed.
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Where to Find the Real Kickoff Times
The NFL doesn't release the official 2026 dates and times until May. Usually, it’s a big primetime TV event where everyone overanalyzes the "strength of schedule" which, let’s be real, changes the second someone’s star QB pulls a hamstring in Week 2.
Keep an eye on the Allegiant Stadium official site. They list every event, from Taylor Swift concerts to the actual Raiders games. If it’s not on their calendar, it’s not happening.
Dealing With Time Zones
If you’re still calling them the Oakland Raiders, you’re probably in the Pacific Time Zone. But for the fans across the country, here is the conversion for those standard Sunday slots:
- Pacific: 1:25 PM
- Mountain: 2:25 PM
- Central: 3:25 PM
- Eastern: 4:25 PM
It’s easy to miss a game because you’re looking at a CBS broadcast schedule that’s geared toward New York or Chicago. Always double-check if the "what time does the Oakland Raiders game start" search result is giving you local Vegas time or your own.
Actionable Steps for Raiders Fans
Since there isn't a game tonight, here is what you should actually do to stay ready for the 2026 season:
- Update your bookmarks: Stop searching for Oakland. Use "Las Vegas Raiders" to get the most accurate, localized ticket info.
- Mark March 11 on your calendar: That’s the start of the new league year. It's the first time we'll see if the team is actually going to spend money to fix that 3-14 record.
- Check the Head Coach Tracker: The Raiders are in the middle of interviews right now. A new coach changes everything from the playbook to the kickoff energy.
- Wait for May: That’s when the full 2026 schedule drops. Until then, any "exact time" you see for a game in September is just a guess.
The Raiders might be in a different state, and they might be finished for the year, but the search for that kickoff time never really stops. Just make sure you're looking at the right city when the 2026 season finally rolls around.