Death Star open doors to marquee rugby event

Article posted by Coliseum, July 5^th, 2021

Image: USA Rugby & Allegiant Stadium

With news making the rounds that the National Football League (NFL) stadia in the United States could double up as rugby venues, an announcement was recently made that world-class international rugby will make its debut at ‘Death Star’ (US) in October 2021.

The ‘Allegiant Stadium’ stated that the USA Men’s National Rugby team, the Eagles, will host Ireland in a landmark rugby event on October 30, 2021 at the scintillating Allegiant Stadium – the inaugural Las Vegas Rugby Cup. The event is expected to occur annually with Las Vegas (US) as the Host City.

The 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium is a domed stadium located in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It serves as the home stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels college football team.

The United States men’s national rugby union team represents United States in men’s international rugby union. Nicknamed the ‘Eagles’, it is controlled by USA Rugby. USA Rugby is a member of Rugby Americas North, one of six regional governing bodies under World Rugby.

‘USA Rugby’ quoted Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) CEO and President, as stating, “It’s thrilling to host an international rugby event of this caliber in Las Vegas, and we can’t wait to welcome the teams and their fans to the Sports Capital of the World. Nothing can match the energy and excitement of gameday in Las Vegas. We’re confident the teams and their fans will find the only-in-Vegas experiences they’ve come to expect, from incredible entertainment and dining to outstanding attractions and outdoor adventure.”

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) are a Government agency and the official destination marketing organization for Southern Nevada (US). It was founded by the Nevada Legislature in 1955.

The ‘USA Rugby’ further quoted Ross Young, CEO, USA Rugby, as stating, “Following an eventful summer, this fixture is exactly the growth we’re excited to see for our Men’s Eagles, with meaningful test matches at home against top nations. Allegiant Stadium is a first-class fan experience, and we’re thrilled to partner on this venue’s first-ever rugby match.”

USA Rugby is the national governing body for the sport of rugby union in the United States. Its role is to serve as “the national governing body charged with achieving and maintaining high levels of quality in all aspects of rugby.”

Said Gary Gold, USA Men’s Head Coach, “Matching up with Ireland for a second time this year, particularly on home soil, gives us a lot to look forward to. Las Vegas has always put a spotlight on rugby, where we’re excited to follow our Rugby World Cup qualification fixtures on such a big stage.”

The Ireland rugby team shared their excitement for the new Las Vegas Rugby Cup, saying they always enjoy playing in the United States.

Said Andy Farrell, Ireland Head Coach, “Over the past few years, we have had some incredible experiences playing in the US, including beating the All Blacks for the first time in our history. Our last fixture against the Eagles in New Jersey was another fantastic rugby experience. We are looking forward to the game in October and to reconnecting with Irish Rugby fans in the US.”

Noted James Ryan, Ireland Captain for the upcoming July Tests, “Anytime we have played in the US we have had tremendous support either traveling from Ireland or Irish Rugby fans based in America. We have been lucky to experience some great Cities and stadia on our recent trips across the Atlantic, but Las Vegas will be special and to be the first rugby game played at Allegiant Stadium will just make it an even bigger occasion for players and fans alike.”

MGM Resorts International has signed on as the official resort partner. Organizers anticipate that the appeal of world-class international rugby, coupled with MGM Resorts’ award-winning hospitality, will offer fans a top-notch Las Vegas experience.

Stephanie Maes, MGM Resorts’ Director of Sports Partnerships, said, “The Las Vegas Rugby Cup will be a marquee international event and great addition to the City’s Halloween weekend calendar. As the leader in the hospitality industry, we look forward to hosting the US and Irish rugby fans and creating memorable experiences for them in the Sports Capital of the World.”

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