LAS VEGAS -- Rob Rivera was the co-founder of the legendary Black Hole section Raiders fans who grew up in Oakland. He died this week of complications from COVID-19.
Rivera, who was now in his 50s, created the section after watching the Dawg Pound of the Cleveland Browns on television in 1994.
Rivera said, "But let’s do it with rabies," for ESPN's E-60 show in 2019.
The Black Hole used to be in the Oakland Coliseum's southern end zone. It now has roots in Las Vegas' southern end zone at the Allegiant Stadium.
John Tournour (aka J.T.) said that Rivera was "arguably the most important Raiders fan" and helped to build and grow the Black Hole in Oakland. Rivera's tribute show will be hosted by The Brick. He was proud of his Black Hole, as there were many men who put on costumes. He lived it.
The founder of the BLACK HOLLE deserves a rest in paradise. Our dear brother and friend "Black Hole Rob".
His legacy will be felt for many decades during the #RaiderNation @BlackHoleFans Tribute Show for him on Wednesday at @RNR920AM 12-2pm PST. pic.twitter.com/XzjFh1STAQ JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) September 20, 2021
He never had the chance to visit Vegas to watch a game. He was planning to visit me later in the season. This terrible pandemic caused his death. It should be brought to everyone's attention. It can happen to anyone, if it happened to Black Hole Rob.
The Black Hole is one of the most famous fan sections in the NFL. It has 28 chapters in the United States, and outposts in Mexico.
Rivera said that the Black Hole was a fan phenomenon and began with people painting their faces and dressing in costumes.
Rivera stated, "We have had to fight a negative stereotype about the Raider Nation." "If you want the best football fan experience possible, then step into the Black Hole. That's because we'll give it to you."
Oakland was home to the Raiders from 1960 to 1981, before they moved to Los Angeles in 1982 to 1994. They returned to Oakland in 1995. Only a few superfans made the trip from the Bay Area to Las Vegas where they moved the team in 2020. Because of pandemic regulations, fans were not permitted to enter the stadium last season. Only vaccinated fans can now enter.
"His vision was for one day, with a blimp overhead looking up, the entire stadium to be the Black Hole but the heartbeat would still be Section 105," stated Mark Acasio. He also goes by the superfan costume Gorilla Rilla game day and has now made the move to Las Vegas.
He sold me my personal seat in the Black Hole in 1996, and he welcomed me into his family to share in it all. It grew from there. His legacy and his aloha spirit will grow with the restart and start in Las Vegas.
