Home Interaction

It is a mystery to one half of the U.S. population why so many men love their garage. Is it the shiny tool attraction, the peace and quiet away from family, the rustic appeal where you don’t have to worry about slopping salsa on the throw pillows?

For David Ball in Garden Grove, the garage is the place where he can get his game on as a Raiders football fan.

David Ball of Garden Grove in his Raiders oasis. He converted his garage into his own personal sports bar and is rightfully proud of it. He is a third generation Raiders fan. ADVERTISEMENT

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“I am a die-hard,” Ball said. “I could easily overflow my stuff into the house, but my wife won’t let me, except for the Raiders Christmas village that goes up during the holidays.”

Ball was born in the Bay Area and can’t remember a time when he wasn’t passionate about the team. His Raiders Room is where he enjoys football games on five TVs. The floor is hand-painted indoor/outdoor carpet. He did all the cabinets.

“It took about eight months to get the room finished,” he said. “I repaint the carpet every year.”

Friends call him “Raider Dave.” During the season, the garage door goes up, friends and neighbors stop by, and even the Garden Grove police stop in to get the score.

“But don’t try and call me during a Raiders game. I won’t answer the phone,” he said.

Ball manages a trucking company. His wife, Elsie, works in telecommunications. Both bring daughters to their blended family.

But the Raiders Room is where Ball likes to relax after a day at work. As far as traditional garage stuff goes, the tools, the paint, the equipment – “I’ve got a shed out back for that kind of stuff,” he said.

Neighbors know that football is in season when Ball’s giant blowup Raiders player goes up on the front lawn. It stays the entire season.

Ball figures he has probably spent thousands on his Raiders collections, but he always gets Raiders collectibles for birthdays and Christmas, too.

“I’m proud of that room, “Ball said. “It’s done with a lot of love, a lot of passion. It’s one place when I get home, where my stress goes away.”

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