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'Bigger, better and bolder': Abdo promises greater spectacle for year two of Vegas showcase
Charles Goodsir, SEN • February 6th, 2025 1:58 pm
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has confirmed that 40,000 tickets have been sold for the Las Vegas season opener in March.
The NRL launched its five-year venture in America with a successful double header in 2024 which saw 40,746 fans walk through the doors of Allegiant Stadium.
Less than a month out from year two of the venture, Abdo believes the NRL will exceed the initial attendance figure from the previous year.
“We took the game to a new frontier,” Abdo told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“There were many firsts and it was such a community event. We were overwhelmed with how many Aussies travelled and we really took over the Las Vegas strip.
“We’ve listened to what the fans liked and there’ll be more action during the week.
“It’s going to be bigger, bolder and better and we’ve had a great response from fans. We have sold 40,000 tickets already.
“The mix of fans is really good for us. We have around 20,000 Australians travelling who are about to descend on Vegas.
“We have around 8000 coming from England and a couple of thousand are coming from New Zealand.
“There will be a representation of 31 countries from fans attending including 10,000 Americans.
“What’s really interesting with US fans is that we’ve had tickets bought from 50 different states. 20% are coming from California, Utah and the East Coast.
“It really does have a Magic Round feel to it.”
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The NRL have been vocal in their desire to have famous figures attend the showcase including seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and Abdo also confirmed that President Donald Trump has been formally invited.
“He has certainly been invited,” Abdo continued.
“If anyone was going to get Donald Trump to the stadium, it’s our chairman Peter V’landys.
“I know that Peter has reached out and we’ll make sure that he knows that he’s welcome.
“If the stars align and we get him there, it’ll be terrific.
“However, there will be plenty of other dignitaries and celebrities attending.”
The Canberra Raiders and Warriors will play the first match before the Penrith Panthers take on the Cronulla Sharks on March 2.
