Las Vegas NRL Triumphs and Setbacks: Why Sin City is Unrivalled as an Aussie Sports Pilgrimage

LAS VEGAS: For anyone who doubted the viability of this initiative, it’s time to reconsider, as the NRL’s choice to launch its season in Sin City is reaping significant rewards in its second year.

While the ambitious aim of establishing a presence in America may seem far-fetched, does it truly matter if the Vegas event continues to generate substantial TV viewership back in Australia and provides fans with the experience of a lifetime by making the trip?

During an interview with 2GB’s Continuous Call Team, while observing the Jillaroos dominate England from the radio box in the impressive $1.9 billion (USD) Allegiant Stadium, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys stated that this was an occasion that “can’t be replicated,” a statement that isn’t far-fetched in the landscape of annual Australian sporting events.

V’landys remains optimistic about the NRL’s chances to capture a portion of the American sports market. There are indications that even without a large US TV audience, the season opener in Vegas has the potential to become a major driver of profit, with various companies lining up along the Strip eager to get involved.

A prolonged extension of the current five-year agreement between the NRL and the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau is likely. The new financial terms should make the venture profitable for the NRL.

“When we first pitched this idea, they looked at us as if we were mad, but now they’re eager to open multiple doors,” V’landys asserted on Sunday (Australian time).

“They thought we were out of touch, and to an extent, we probably were. But they’re very keen to keep us around for a longer term. We’ll certainly evaluate it, and I can’t see any reason why we wouldn’t continue for much longer. It’s proven successful due to its allure as a destination and its appeal to those in Australia, New Zealand, and England. Plus, Papua New Guinea is set to join in as well.”

Here are some reasons why the NRL in Vegas has already become a remarkable success, alongside a few challenges that have arisen.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Vegas Experience

Sharks captain Cameron McInnes described the influx of sights and sounds as “sensory overload,” an apt phrase reflecting the explosion of colour, noise, and light that greets you upon arrival on the Vegas Strip. And indeed, everything is on a grand scale in Vegas, from the massive cocktails to the sprawling casino floors where time can slip away. Over the past week, a significant number of NRL fans donned their team colours, making it impossible to walk 20 metres without encountering a familiar face. If the NRL aimed for a takeover, they’ve certainly achieved that.

The Stadium

If the vibrant atmosphere and dazzling lights aren’t your style, it’s worth visiting for the awe-inspiring stadium alone. The Allegiant Stadium, which set the NRL back a staggering $1.9 billion USD, ranks among the priciest stadiums ever constructed. Based on the fan experience, every cent was well spent. The roof enhances the noise, creating an electric atmosphere, while the lighting and performance area in the stands, complete with three enormous screens, combine to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. If you think Allianz Stadium in Sydney is impressive, you haven’t seen anything yet.

The English Fans

As V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo traversed Sin City, they praised the 8,000 English fans who made the journey to join their Australian and Kiwi counterparts, eager to witness Super League teams Wigan and Warrington kick off the quadruple-header. V’landys joked that he wished to send Australian fans to singing classes to better match the infectious energy of English supporters. Singing Aussie fans? Tread carefully with your wishes.

The Reaction to the England Women’s Try

When a stadium erupts in cheer, as it did when England finally managed to score a consolation try in the closing moments after suffering a heavy defeat to the Jillaroos, it indicates just how one-sided the match was. This moment generated a collective roar, possibly making the players wish they could blend into the ground beneath them.

The Entertainment Extras

Aussie singer Conrad Sewell might not be everyone’s favourite, but including “Simply The Best” in his set was a stroke of genius, uniting the stadium in a singalong of Tina Turner’s classic, synonymous with rugby league from the 90s. His hit “Healing Hands” got the crowd moving too—definitely a win. The NRL also incorporated various musical interludes featuring predominantly Australian artists during halftime without overspending their budget. As for a contemporary spin on Men at Work’s iconic anthem “Down Under”? It was a delightful surprise, thanks to the halftime performance in the Panthers vs. Sharks match. Fans also joyfully sang “Sweet Caroline,” many opting for a spontaneous “shoey” in the spirit of the moment.

LOWLIGHTS

$26 Beers

That’s right. If you made it through the first game at Allegiant Stadium without sneaking in beverages, your bank account likely took a hit. While overpriced food and drinks at stadiums are the norm, charging $26 for a single beer seems absurd. Here’s what you’d have forked out to quench your thirst during the quadruple-header:

• US $15.99 or AUD $25.76 for a Premium draft beer
• US $7.99 or AUD $12.87 for a bottle of Coca Cola
• US $16.99 or AUD $27.37 for a sub sandwich
• US $9.99 or AUD $16.09 for a foot-long hotdog
• US $14.99 or AUD $24.15 for popcorn

Tipping

It’s an easy complaint, but as an Aussie who values the living wage earned by service workers back home, the tipping culture feels misplaced. Factor in a 20 per cent tip (standard practice) to those prices, and you’ll see my point.

The Scent of Cannabis

Jump into an Uber in Vegas, and the chances are it will reek of cannabis, with your driver may share unsolicited tips on where to score. The scent wafts through the Strip, and if you’re not a fan, you might find yourself out of your comfort zone.

The Uneven Matches

The opening three games provided little from a competitive standpoint, with Warrington coach Sam Burgess departing Vegas after a crushing defeat, which was echoed in the England women’s performance as well. The Warriors struggled in their inaugural NRL clash of the day, ultimately yielding a disappointing display against the Raiders. Overall, it was a tough day for non-Aussies at the stadium, with Wigan the sole non-Australian team to find success in an all-English matchup.