Next month, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves are set to meet in one of the most exciting and unusual settings for a rugby match: the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The 65,000-seat venue, which hosted the 2024 Super Bowl, will be the site of this landmark Super League fixture.
This match is a repeat of last year’s Challenge Cup final, where Wigan triumphed 18-8 over Warrington at Wembley.
This time, the Cherry and Whites will swap a home fixture for the opportunity to play on American soil on March 1.
Michael Buffer Adds Vegas Flair to Super League Season
Ahead of this historic match and the upcoming Super League season, legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer is teaming up with the league to add some extra excitement.
In a unique move, Buffer will officiate weddings outside the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan on February 13.
The stunt comes after a report by Sky Sports revealed that 57% of Brits are open to the idea of getting married in Vegas, with 8% dreaming of a wedding in Sin City.
The Wigan chapel, set up in honor of this Vegas-themed season opener, will be manned by a fully ordained celebrant, with Buffer promising to bring the Vegas experience to fans in Wigan.
“I can’t wait to make the journey across the pond to the bright lights of Wigan to help Super League fans have the full Vegas experience,” said Buffer. “It really is a match made in Vegas.”
Fans Eager for the Vegas Clash
The announcement of the historic match in Las Vegas was met with excitement, and fans are eagerly anticipating the event.
The game, which will air on Sky Sports at 9:30 pm on March 1, is expected to bring Super League into the global spotlight.
Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Many of us in the UK watched the games in Las Vegas earlier in the year and wished they could be a part of it.
I spoke to my board about the possibility and there was a unanimous desire to be part of the occasion.”
Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick echoed this sentiment, saying, “Playing in one of the world’s best entertainment destinations is going to be an exciting and memorable experience.
It will also put Super League on the map in a sports market full of opportunity.”
Super League’s Growing Global Appeal
The game in Las Vegas is part of Super League’s push to broaden its global appeal.
Rhodri Jones, the Rugby League commercial managing director, said, “We are looking forward to working closely with Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, and our partners to ensure this weekend is another massive success.
It’s an exciting opportunity for the sport, and to feature the Betfred Super League in Las Vegas alongside an international fixture for England Women is a huge step forward.”
Wigan Warriors Eye Another Successful Season
Wigan Warriors enter the new season after an unforgettable 2024 campaign in which they became the first team in Super League history to win the quadruple—claiming the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final in one season.
Despite this historic achievement, Wigan’s manager, Matt Peet, emphasized that the focus for 2025 won’t solely be on winning more trophies.
Peet explained, “We can’t match last season’s success in terms of the trophies we won, but the focus remains on becoming a better team.
At the end of it, we’ll be judged on the trophies we win, but that can’t be the only reflection of our progress.
We aim to improve our rugby, our attack, and our community work, and hopefully, that will lead to more success on the field.”
With their eyes set on continued improvement, Wigan Warriors are determined to keep their momentum going, and the Vegas match is just the beginning of a thrilling season ahead.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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