Vegas has a small sports market where their local teams often engage in cross-promotion and build community spirit. Fans love to see the cross-promotions as they get to see their favorite players from different sports come together and collaborate.
The 2026 Stanley Final series is going on and the Vegas’ Golden Knights took on the Carolina Hurricanes in the third game of the series on Saturday. Before the game, the Raiders’ newly signed QB was seen cranking a loud siren to help kick off the game.
Fernando Mendoza Already in the Chaos in Vegas
Vegas’s sports community is small and inclusive. Fans often get to see cross-promotional events and advertisements from star players from different sports. Even though Fernando Mendoza is a rookie QB who was just signed by the Las Vegas Raiders, he has already cemented his popularity in the Vegas sports community and appeared in a traditional pregame ceremony at the NHL Final.
May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) stretches during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
He was captured cranking the special guest siren sounder. The crowd erupted with loud cheers reflecting his popularity and the significance of this moment.
Fernando Mendoza was also accompanied by several of his new Raiders offensive linemen.
#Raiders No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza cranks the siren to kick off the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Final game while surrounded by his offensive linemen 🔥
🎥 ESPN pic.twitter.com/pA0wvuw9D5
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) June 7, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights are in the Finals of the NHL. The Knights have been amazing so far and are currently leading the series 2–1, winning the third game in which Mendoza appeared before the game.
In a very short time, Fernando Mendoza has earned the Vegas community’s support and popularity. The fun crossover indicates that he is not only popular with Raiders fans, but with the whole Vegas sports community.
Raiders Got Fernando Mendoza To Turn Things Around in Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2025 NFL season ranked 4th in the AFC West with a 3–14 record, one of the worst in the league. That dismal campaign earned them the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they used to select 22-year-old quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana University.
Mendoza began his college career at California before transferring to Indiana, where he had a breakout 2025 season throwing for 3,535 yards, posting a 182.9 passer rating, and accounting for 48 total touchdowns. He guided the Hoosiers to strong record, Big Ten title contention, and most notably Indiana’s first-ever Heisman Trophy.
Coming off a devastating season, the Raiders are in full rebuilding mode. In early 2026, they hired Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, bringing with him the offensive system he developed as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. A young, dynamic quarterback was central to that vision, which is exactly what Mendoza brings.
The Raiders still have proven talent to build around in tight end Brock Bowers, defensive end Maxx Crosby, and offensive lineman Kolton Miller, but Mendoza is the franchise’s QB of the future and has already shown the character that has the Vegas community welcoming him with open arms.
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