Broncos fans gear up for NRL’s Vegas double-header

Broncos fans are shaking off their NRL grand final hangover by snapping up thousands of tickets to next year’s season opener in Las Vegas.

The Broncos will head to Vegas for the March double-header, along with the Roosters, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs. (Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP)

Six thousand Queenslanders have already booked their flights to Las Vegas to watch the Broncos play in next year’s season opener in the USA.

While the historic double-header featuring the Broncos, Roosters, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs is still almost five months away, almost 15,000 tickets have already been sold, with almost half of those bought by Queenslanders.

Some package holiday deals for the weekend featuring direct flights from Brisbane to Las Vegas have already sold out, with about 1000 Broncos members among those already booking tickets to Sin City.

The Broncos are slated to play the Roosters while Souths play Manly in the March 2 double-header at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Raiders which will feature a modified NRL field as the playing surface is too small to accommodate a full-sized rugby league field.

The spectacle is already being promoted in the US as “Australia’s biggest sport unleashed in Vegas”.

The games will be held at Allegiant Stadium. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

NRL CEL Andrew Abdo said early interest had been extremely strong from Queensland footy fans.

“The reaction so far to Vegas has been really positive and highlights the excitement around our first ever premiership matches in the US,” he said.

“It’s great to see the support from Queenslanders.

“The Las Vegas double header is a great opportunity for all of our fans not just here in Australia but around the world.”

Tickets to the double-header start at just $30, with travel companies compiling package deals ranging from $1300 for match tickets and accommodation through to more than $6000 for itineraries including travel on special charter flights from Australia to Las Vegas and lavish entertainment offerings through to exclusive access to official team functions.

Broncos members have already snapped up 150 packages as part of the club’s official fan charter trip.

TripADeal travel company co-founder and co-CEO Richard Johnston said Broncos fans had responded strongly to the opportunity to be part of history.

“NRL fans have shown their support has no limits when it comes to travel, with really strong sales over the first few weeks,” he said.

“The travel packages include some iconic hotels, premium seating at the game, and have Qantas chartering their first direct flights to Las Vegas from Sydney and Brisbane, filled with some legends of the game.

“The Legends package has proved to be the most popular with all Brisbane economy seats being snatched up within just a few weeks of the NRL going on sale. We expect to see a lot of Broncos supporters over in Las Vegas after their strong 2023 season.”

Broncos supporter Wade Rolfe is among the footy followers excited about the Vegas trip, and is planning to go with a group of eight fans, including his wife who goes for Souths.

Broncos fan Wade Rolfe and his Souths fan wife Tonie booked as soon as the NRL confirmed dates. Picture: Nigel Hallett

He said he couldn’t wait for the trip, which he has turned into a nine-day holiday costing about $4000 after booking flights, tickets and accommodation independently.

“We were hanging out for the confirmed date and the minute it was locked and loaded we booked,” he said.

For cashed-up footy fans looking for an excuse to turn the trip into a longer US holiday, Las Vegas will host the NFL’s Super Bowl three weeks earlier.

Go to nrl.com/vegas for more details.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS …

Broncos in Las Vegas travel package

From $6399 for five nights accommodation in Las Vegas, return economy airfares, match tickets and access to exclusive team event and Captain’s Run training session.

TripADeal travel packages

• Legends package from $5399 including return airfares on Qantas charter flight to Las Vegas, “premium diamond” match tickets, 5 nights accommodation and exclusive lounge and bar access on game day.

• Platinum package from $2749 including 3, 4 or 5 nights accommodation, premium diamond match tickets, exclusive lounge and bar access and 10 per cent discount on Qantas flights.

• Gold package from $1649 including premium diamond match tickets, 3, 4 or 5 nights accommodation, exclusive lounge and bar access and 10 per cent discount on Qantas flights.

• Silver package from $1299 including premium diamond match tickets, 3, 4 or 5 nights accommodation, exclusive lounge and bar access and 10 per cent discount on Qantas flights.