49ers considering renewing preseason matchups with Raiders

Bad things tended to happen when you mixed the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders fanbases. That's why the two teams indefinitely halted the preseason matchups back in 2011 after violence sprung during games between the one-time Bay-Area rivals.

Now, the Raiders are in Las Vegas, and it would seem the 49ers have had some discussion about renewing the series, which saw the two teams meet during 11 consecutive preseasons before its abrupt suspension. Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports that San Francisco has had some internal discussions about the possibility.

"There has been no decision on the matter, but the 49ers have had internal discussions about renewing what used to be an annual preseason game with the Raiders," writes Barrows.

The 2019 season was the Raiders' last in the Bay Area. They will play future games at Allegiant Stadium, which is scheduled to open for the upcoming season and is situated on the opposite side of the I-15 as the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The preseason schedule won't be released until April. We'll know then if the 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders plan to renew their preseason matchups in time for the 2020 season.

The teams have played two regular-season games since 2011, with each squad winning one game. The 49ers traveled to Oakland in 2014, losing 24-13, and then hosted the final Battle of the Bay matchup in 2018, winning 34-3.