James Hetfield to Light Raiders Memorial Torch Saturday
The ceremony takes place at Allegiant Stadium before kickoff on October 25.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football
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Metallica co-founder James Hetfield is set to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium on October 25, 2026. He will perform the honors prior to kickoff for the Raiders vs. Rams game.
Why it matters
The torch serves as a tribute to the legacy of late Raiders owner Al Davis, a tradition that traveled from Oakland to the Las Vegas valley when the team relocated.
Metallica performed a 6-song set in a parking lot during the 2002 AFC Championship Game, the band's last major connection to the franchise before this weekend's ceremony.
The players
James Hetfield
The Metallica co-founder and Downey, California native will light the memorial torch.
Al Davis
The late owner of the Raiders is the namesake of the stadium memorial torch.
John Madden
The legendary coach was the first person to light the memorial torch in 2011.
Carol Davis
The first person to light the memorial torch at the stadium in Las Vegas.
The details
Hetfield will light the beacon before the game begins on October 25. The tradition began in Oakland in 2011 with John Madden, while Carol Davis performed the first lighting in Las Vegas in 2020. Fans attending the game should prepare for pre-game activities as the stadium manages arrival traffic for the marquee matchup.
Timeline
2002: Metallica performed a six-song set before the AFC Championship Game.
October 18, 2011: John Madden first lit the memorial torch in Oakland.
September 21, 2020: Carol Davis first lit the torch at the Las Vegas stadium.
October 25, 2026: James Hetfield will light the memorial torch.
Beyond the Strip
This lighting ceremony follows the precedent set by the 2020 inaugural lighting at the Las Vegas stadium. It continues the team's established ritual of selecting prominent figures to honor the legacy of Al Davis before home games.
Fans heading to the game on October 25 should expect increased traffic around Allegiant Stadium. Arrive early to ensure you are in your seat for the pre-kickoff ceremony.
The takeaway
Keep an eye on the stadium's pre-game schedule for the exact timing of the ceremony on October 25. Fans are encouraged to head to their gates early to avoid the heaviest congestion near the resort corridor.
Further reading
Find more local sports updates at Football.
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