The countdown is officially on! The third instalment of Rugby League’s ambitious American takeover is just a few weeks away. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Greatest Game of All returns to the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Get ready for an electrifying weekend of rugby league action, fan festivities, and all the glitz and glamour that only Sin City can provide.
Since it's sensational debut, the NRL in Las Vegas has become a staple for rugby league enthusiasts and a must do event for sports fans seeking a unique experience. Whether you're a die-hard fan making the pilgrimage from Australia or the UK, or a local curious about the high impact world of Rugby League, this year’s triple header promises to be spectacular.
The Main Event: Game Day at Allegiant Stadium
The 2026 schedule features a massive cross-hemisphere showcase. This year, we see a new set of NRL powerhouses and a fierce English Super League rivalry taking centre stage at the Allegiant Stadium:
The Super League Showcase
Hull KR vs. Leeds Rhinos: In a massive Round 3 Super League fixture, the 2025 treble-winning Hull KR take their home game across the Atlantic. They face the eight-time champions, the Leeds Rhinos, in what promises to be a fiery English derby on American soil.
Kick Off - 4pm (Las Vegas Time)
The NRL Season Opener
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. St George Illawarra Dragons: A classic Sydney rivalry kicks off the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership. Expect no love lost as these two clubs look to start their season with a statement win in front of a global audience.
Kick Off - 6.15pm (Las Vegas Time)
Newcastle Knights vs. North Queensland Cowboys:: The Entertainment Capital of the World meets the powerhouse flair of the Knights and the Cowboys. With superstars like Kalyn Ponga and Tom Dearden on display, this match is a guaranteed highlight reel.
Kick Off - 8.30pm (Las Vegas Time)
Best Spots for a "Pre-Match" Pint
Vegas is full of bars, but Rugby League fans have already claimed a few as their own:
Official Fan Bars
Hull KR have announced a partnership with Rockhouse Las Vegas. The bar will be open all week and decked out in red and offering fans an ideal meeting point. Throughout the week there will be player, ambassador and special guest visits, live music and DJ’s, giveaways, party games & more.
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Blondies at Planet Hollywood will be the official Leeds Rhinos fans bar. From Wednesday 25th February, the bar will be decked out in Rhinos merchandise with classic games and action on the giant screens plus special appearance. Ahead of the big game against Hull KR, from 5pm-7pm on Friday 27th February, legends Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Danny McGuire and Barrie McDermott will be on hand to meet fans.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have chosen Bottled Blonde as their official team bar. Bringing fans together all week long with a lively atmosphere, great food, and ice-cold drinks just steps off the Strip.
St George Illawarra Dragons have announced that Ole Red will be the home base for the dragons for the week. Fans can enjoy live country music, southern inspired food and spectacular rooftop views.
Newcastle Knights have confirmed that their home base will be Hard Rock Cafe. It will be transformed in red and blue, welcoming fans with a lively atmosphere and exclusive food and beverage offers. All rugby league fans can enjoy game day discounts with 20% off Hard Rock Cafe and retail by clicking here
North Queensland Cowboys have chosen Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas as their official Cowboys home ground bar. Fans can enjoy exclusive offers and celebrate with North Queensland supporters throughout the week.
Getting to the Allegiant Stadium
Navigating your way to the stadium is part of the game day fun, but here are some tips to help with your planning.
The "Hacienda Bridge" Walk
On game day, the Hacienda Bridge (connecting Mandalay Bay to the stadium) is closed to vehicles and reserved entirely for pedestrians. This is the ultimate pre-game "march," where you’ll join thousands of supporters for a 15–20 minute walk that offers incredible photo ops of the stadium.
The Free Trams
If you are staying further up the Strip, use the free trams to save your legs. A complimentary tram runs between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. Take this to the Mandalay Bay station, and you’re just a short stroll from the Hacienda Bridge entrance.
Ubers & Rideshares
While Ubers are convenient, traffic around the stadium becomes heavy. Designated drop-off/pick-up zones are located in Lot N (just north of the stadium).
Stadium Tips: Navigating Allegiant Stadium Like a Pro
Make your game day as smooth as a 40/20 kick. The Allegiant Stadium is a world-class venue, but it's rules are specific and strictly enforced. Here is how to handle it without a hitch:
Arrive Early: Don’t underestimate the crowds. Queues at the turnstiles move slowly due to strict security screening. Aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kick off to soak up the atmosphere and find your seat.
Digital Tickets: Signal around the stadium can get patchy due to the large crowds. Download your tickets to your phone’s digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) before you leave your hotel to avoid any signal issues when you get to the gate.
Strict Clear Bag Policy: The Allegiant Stadium has a Strict Clear Bag Policy.
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Permitted: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12” x 6” x 12”.
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Not Permitted: Anything larger than a small clutch bag that isn't clear.
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Pro Tip: If your bag doesn't fit the criteria, you’ll have to pay roughly $20 to store it at one of the bag check locations outside the stadium. Check the official Bag Policy before you pack.
Go Cashless: Don't forget that the Allegiant Stadium is a 100% cashless venue. For UK travellers, we highly recommend using a Monzo card. It’s quick to set up, works instantly via your phone, and offers excellent exchange rates with no foreign transaction fees. We actually found the Monzo rate better than the physical cash we exchanged back home! You can sign up to Monzo here.
Food & Drink: There is a huge variety of food stands available throughout the stadium. Have a wander around and look first. We found some incredible ribs and loaded fries from the ground floor.
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Price Hack: Prices vary wildly. A simple hotdog was priced between $12.99 and $2.99 at different stands.
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Refill Deals: Look for souvenir popcorn buckets ($14.99) which often come with $2.99 refills all day. Some of the stands also had souvenir cups and free refills on soft drinks, which is much cheaper than buying multiple individual bottles of soft drinks.
Leaving the Stadium: While the stadium generally has a "no re-entry" policy, this isn't enforced for Rugby League Las Vegas. You can exit the internal doors to smoke or walk around the massive outdoor concourse area as long as you do not pass back through the outer turnstiles. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere between matches without losing your access to the rugby.
Rugby League Las Vegas Essentials
Preparing for a full day of footy in the desert requires a bit more strategy than a standard match day at home. To stay comfortable from the first whistle of the Super League game to the final siren of the NRL main event, make sure you have these four essentials:
Smart Layers: Don’t let the desert sun fool you. While daytime highs can reach a pleasant 18°C, the temperature drops sharply once the sun goes down, often hitting lows of 5°C. Bring a jacket or hoodie for the walk back to the Strip, you'll thank yourself later.
Comfortable Shoes: Between trekking across the Hacienda Bridge and navigating the massive Allegiant Stadium concourse, you will easily clock over 20,000 steps, make sure you wear comfortable footwear.
A Clear Bag: This is the golden rule for US stadiums. If you need to carry more than what fits in your pockets (like your layers or souvenirs), it must be a clear plastic bag that meets stadium requirements. Standard backpacks or handbags will cost you a $20 fee and a long wait at the bag check.
Portable Power Bank: Between filming tries, posting to socials, and using Google Maps to find your way home, your battery will drain fast. We swear by Samsung power banks, they are slim, reliable, and ensure you aren’t left stranded with a dead phone at the end of the night.
More Than Just the Games: A Week of Rugby League Events
Rugby League in Las Vegas is far more than just 240 minutes of rugby league. While the games are on Saturday, the atmosphere builds throughout the week with events starting from Wednesday 25th February 2026. It’s an experience designed to celebrate the sport and connect fans from around the globe. If you’re arriving early you won’t want to miss these;
Welcome to Las Vegas Party
The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, on the LINQ Promenade is holding a Welcome to Las Vegas Party to welcome Rugby League fans travelling from around the world.
When: Wednesday 25th February 2026, 8pm - 11pm
Where: Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, LINQ Promenade
Price: $50 online (+ fees & taxes)
What to expect: An open bar to include all draft beers, standard spirits and Jack Daniel’s range
The NRL Fan Hub @ Resorts World
The unofficial headquarters for all things NRL throughout the week will be the NRL Fan Hub at Resorts World. This central location will be buzzing with activity, offering opportunities to meet NRL legends, grab exclusive merchandise, participate in interactive experiences, and connect with fellow fans.
When: Open daily from Wednesday, Feb 25, through Friday, Feb 27, typically 11am - 4pm
Where: RedTail, Resorts World
Price: Free
What to expect: Expect live DJs, interactive partner activations, and merchandise stalls. It’s also the spot for the Official NRL Lunch (a ticketed event), often hosted by footy legends like Fletch and Hindy.
Pro Tip: Even if you aren't attending a formal event, RedTail is a great place to escape the heat (or wind!) and grab a beer with other fans while watching NRL highlights on the big screens.
The Vegas 9s Tournament at Silver Bowl Park
For those who crave even more on field action, make sure to check out The Vegas 9s Tournament at Silver Bowl Park. This exciting format sees teams playing shorter, faster-paced games, offering a fantastic opportunity to see emerging talent and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect way to soak up some sunshine and witness the thrill of rugby league in a different format.
When: Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Silver Bowl Park
Price: Free
What to expect: This isn't just an amateur kick-around. It features a Premier Division (professional/semi-pro), a Community Division, and a brand-new College Division featuring American collegiate athletes..
More details: Entry is free for spectators. Expect food trucks, music, and a festival atmosphere.
Stadium Swim Rugby League Takeover
Rugby League is taking over Stadium Swim at Circa Resort. It’s the ultimate pool party meets sports bar experience.
When: Thursday, Feb 26
Where: Stadium Swim, Circa Resort, Downtown Las Vegas
Price: $80usd + tax
What to expect: Heated pools, a massive 143-foot HD screen perfect for watching the Wigan vs. Leigh game at 12pm and open bar including (Beer, Wine, Spirits & Seltzers) and live DJ. 21+ only event
Pro Tip: It’s located only a 2 minute walk away from the Fremont Street Fan Fest which is due to take place in the evening.
The Fan Fest on Fremont Street
Get ready for an epic street party as Rugby League takes over the historic downtown district to host the Fan Fest on Fremont Street! This iconic Las Vegas location will once again come alive with entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating rugby league. Last year an estimated 10,000 fans from across the world packed into the Fremont Street Experience on Thursday night to cheer on some of the game’s biggest names. It is an incredible event that is not to be missed.
When: Thursday, Feb 26, expected to start at around 5pm.
Where: The 3rd Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience.
Price: Free
What to expect : All six teams will be welcomed through the crowd and onto the stage, and the historic downtown area will be a sea of rugby fans proudly showing off their team colours. It’s arguably the best atmosphere of the entire week.
After Parties: Once the official stage show ends, the crowd spills into the surrounding bars with each team often hosting their own supporter events.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a spot close to the stage and a backpack with your own drinks.
Watch our video from the 2025 Rugby League Fan Fest on Youtube here
The OG Rugby League Takeover Las Vegas Party
Due to popular demand, The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, on the LINQ Promenade is hosting another Rugby League Takeover Las Vegas Party
When: Friday 27th February 2026, 3pm - 6pm
Where: Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, LINQ Promenade
Price: $50 online (+ fees & taxes)
What to expect: An open bar to include all draft beers, standard spirits and Jack Daniel’s range
The Epic Afterparty: Zouk Nightclub
When: Saturday 28th February 2026,
Where: Zouk Nightclub, Resorts World
Price: from $30.39 (+ fees & taxes)
Top Tip: Dress code is upscale casual, leave the rugby shirts at the hotel for this one!
The third year of rugby league in Las Vegas is set to be an unforgettable event. From the thrilling on field clashes to the vibrant fan festivities, there's something for everyone. Start planning your trip now and get ready to be part of rugby league history! If you need inspiration check out our Las Vegas Travel Blogs or if you'd like help creating the perfect Itinerary contact us regarding our Personal Travel Planner Service.
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