Local Couple Brings Raider Nation to Sun City

Lory and Irene Ambriz have been collecting for years and keep most of their collectables in their Raider Room.

"They're rough and tough and people love talking about them!"

These aren't the type of words to come out of most Sun City residents, but to Lory and Irene Ambriz, they're words of pride that describe their favorite football team, the Oakland Raiders.

Most people in Sun City or those just passing by don't know the Ambriz couple by name, but they do know them by their house. The "Raider House," located at 26218 McCall Blvd., is a unique addition to the Menifee community and has taken the Ambriz family years to decorate.

Lory and Irene have gone all out and have painted their entire house, driveway and fence in the Oakland colors, silver and black. Inside, a whole room is dedicated to the Raiders, equipped with plush toys, blankets, jerseys, helmets, shoes and all sorts of different memorabilia that even includes an electric Raiders snow globe (right) that Lory activates every time the team scores a touchdown.

The Ambrizes have spent years collecting, but they say most of their memorabilia was given to them by their son. Even a few strangers have given them things, they said. As for the home makeover, Irene said it was all Lory's doing.

"He did all of the work himself," said Irene. "The painting, the decorating, everything."

With such a unique home, Lory and Irene said that people stop by their house daily, asking to take pictures, and the Ambrizes never refuse. To them, the attention is good because it inspires fans like themselves and in their eyes, that's what it's all about.

Lory and Irene get mostly good comments on their house, but have gotten some negative feedback as well.

"We had paint thrown on our house when we first started decorating," said Irene, "and then they vandalized a few of our decorations, but it hasn't happened since."

Despite some negative comments from fans of opposing teams, the Ambrizes are proud of their Raider home.

The Raiders have always been Lory's favorite football team and is a passion he now shares with his wife. Both Lory and Irene say it's the mystique of the Raiders that attract them. It's a rough team, usually set in some sort of controversy, but always bring a lot of passion to the game and to its fans, they said. It's the persona of the Raiders that attract the couple to the team. Plus, said Lory, they have the best uniforms in the league.

The couple watches every game together and root for the Raiders through thick and thin, as true fans should, they said.

"As long as they play, that's all that matters to me," said Lory. "It doesn't matter if they have a good season or a bad one. We stick with them."

For the Ambrizes, their life-long love affair with the Raiders will pick up yet again when the Raiders step onto their home field tonight at 7 p.m. against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Ambriz couple can be found during most football games in their Raider room, watching their team play.

Many who drive by stop to take pictures in front of the Raider house. The Ambrizes love having fellow fans compliment their house.