BORN to believe: C.O. Oakland fans root for Raiders

For the past few years, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have gotten the majority of coverage of NFL teams on the West Coast, mainly because they’ve made the playoffs.

The Oakland Raiders went 4-12 last year and haven’t made the postseason since 2002, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a large fan contingent in Bend.

BORN: stands for Bend Oregon Raider Nation. They will be meeting every Sunday at Volcanic Theatre Pub to watch the Oakland Raiders play.

“I always wanted to do something like this just to unite Raiders fans and bring them together,” BORN founder Aaron Chambers said Thursday. “I go to games every year, and I see what other cities do.”

There will be plenty of room at the Volcanic Theatre Pub for Raider Nation as well, since it can fit 131 people inside, as well as more space outside for fans to watch.

“I envision a sea of silver and black in here in the next few weeks, every Sunday,” Volcanic Theatre Pub co-owner David Phelps said.

“All gather together as a collective love and collective fans and root for their team,” pub co-owner Derek Sitter said.

There’s an expression among the fans of the Silver and Black that you can’t become a Raiders fan — you’re born a Raiders fan.

That would explain the intense loyalty and fandom you find in Raider Nation.

“It’s not just a football game. It’s also a way of life,” Chambers said. “The Raiders fans are extremely passionate. I mean, you have to be after the last 10 years of watching them lose.”

And even if you’re a fan of whoever is playing the Raiders on any given Sunday, the owners say you’re more than welcome to cheer on your team.

“Warning: Come at your own risk when the Raiders are playing, but we’d love to have you. We’re very friendly,” Phelps said.

The opening game for the Raiders is Sept. 8th on the road against Indianapolis.

Find out more at BORN’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/198650600196643/