The Sharks will go global in 2025 after today being confirmed as one of four NRL clubs heading to Las Vegas to open next season's Telstra Premiership.
Following the booming success of the NRL's initial venture to the sport and entertainment capital of the world earlier this year, the Sharks will face the Panthers at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, on Saturday March 1, kicking off at 8:30pm local time/3.30pm AEDT.
The blockbuster will conclude a footy extravaganza also featuring a Raiders-Warriors NRL fixture, a Jillaroos-Lionesses women's Test match and a UK Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. That's right – eight teams, four games, one epic ticket!
Having submitted an attractive proposal to the NRL indicating overwhelming interest from Members, fans and corporate partners, the Sharks are delighted about the opportunity to further grow the game and the club's brand in an enormous market.
With the launch of a 'Ride the Vegas Shark Wave in 2025' campaign, the club is planning a suite of special fan engagement initiatives, events and US partnerships.
Direct charter flight and travel packages are on sale via the NRL now – this is your only way to secure a ticket for the next two weeks.
General tickets to Rugby League Las Vegas are on sale for Sharks and participating club Members on Wednesday 24 July at 9am AEST, NRL Account Holders on Thursday 25 July at 9am AEST and the general public on Friday 26 July at 9am AEST.
After travelling to Vegas to watch the inaugural NRL 'Round Zero' games in March, Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta promised fans an unforgettable experience in '25.
"It will be an exceptional privilege to showcase the skill, heart and passion of the Sharks to an international audience, while providing our loyal supporters the chance to travel overseas to watch their team," Mezzatesta said.
"We anticipate a sea of black, white and blue at the awe-inspiring Allegiant Stadium, with a survey as part of our submission to the NRL finding between 70% and 80% of Sharks Members, fans and corporate partners are keen to join us in Vegas.
"We thank the NRL for selecting us to be an ambassador of our great game in the United States and look forward to partnering with them to ensure the success of rugby league in Vegas continues to reach new heights.
"Our focus remains on the current NRL season, but we'll be working tirelessly in the background to deliver an amazing Vegas show in all aspects."
Sharks NRL head coach Craig Fitzgibbon added: "It will be an incredible experience to play in Vegas. It was an amazing spectacle earlier this year and we look forward to being part of it in 2025."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo declared Las Vegas 2025 would be "a bigger, bolder and better festival of rugby league".
"The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women's players from both hemispheres," Abdo said.
"We've given fans the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience – a true bucket list item for all rugby league and sports fans.
"Thank you to all the participating teams who will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure.
"Thank you to all our partners, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium and our broadcast partners, who have worked closely with us to create this innovative and truly unique event."
An unmissable week of NRL activities and events in Vegas will begin on Wednesday 26 February, with more details to come.
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Rugby League Las Vegas 2025 schedule – Sat, March 1
- Super League – Wigan v Warrington (1:30pm PST / 8:30am AEDT)
- NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (4:00pm PST / 11:00am AEDT)
- Test Match - Australian Jillaroos vs England Lionesses (6:00pm PST / 1:00pm AEDT)
- NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (8:30pm PST / 3:30pm AEDT)
