Las Vegas has cemented its reputation as a key venue for major sporting events, as evident from the upcoming National Rugby League (NRL) match featuring the Cronulla Sharks and the Big Ten's decision to hold its Football Media Days at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. This vibrant city, often dubbed America’s playground, is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for sporting activities.
The Sharks are set to face off against the reigning champions, Penrith, next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. While the Sharks won't arrive until Monday due to training commitments at the University of Southern California, their delayed arrival has sparked discussions about potential distractions. Captain Cameron McInnnes, unfazed by Las Vegas's reputation for nightlife, asserts, "I couldn't care less about all the distractions of Las Vegas." He insists the team's focus is strictly on delivering a strong performance during the match.
This is not the first time teams have dealt with the challenges of staying competitive amid temptations. Last year, the Sydney Roosters adopted similar travel tactics preceding their game against Brisbane and emerged victorious. Despite concerns about players being distracted by the bright lights and casinos, McInnnes believes the Sharks will remain dedicated to their game plan. He stated, "I really think the boys are excited to put on a good show with the game. Obviously there's going to be some good experiences but sitting in a casino and things like are not one of them."
During their off-time before the match, the Sharks have planned wholesome activities, including attending an ice-hockey game, visiting Venice Beach, and even touring a local fire station. McInnnes emphasized the importance of balancing enjoyment with professionalism, noting, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but at the same time we don't go and do this if we're not playing footy."
The Sharks boast one of the oldest squads in the NRL this year, which equips them with the experience needed for handling travel-related pressures. Halfback Nicho Hynes added, "We're all professionals and if you want to be a professional footy player... then you need to go over there and be in it for business." This assertiveness about prioritizing the sport highlights the team's commitment to not succumbing to distractions.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is also set to host the Big Ten Football Media Days from July 22 to 24 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The decision to move this high-profile event from Indianapolis to Vegas is indicative of the conference’s ambition to expand its reach and include its newest members from the West Coast—USC and UCLA, alongside Maryland and Rutgers.
This year’s Media Days will provide the opportunity for head coaches and players from all 18 teams to engage with the press. By relocating the event to Las Vegas, the Big Ten not only acknowledges the travel constraints on the West Coast schools but also signals its intent to grow beyond its Midwestern roots. With recent discussions about potential expansion for the College Football Playoff, attendees will likely raise pivotal questions concerning the future of college football.
The move to Las Vegas reflects broader trends within collegiate athletics, aiming to create inclusivity for newer schools and enhancing the experience for everyone involved, particularly with respect to media coverage. It will be interesting to see how this year’s Media Days might attract diverse media outlets, as the Big Ten works to solidify its national presence.
Las Vegas is becoming synonymous with major sporting events, and this wave of activity typifies the city’s standing as not just a destination for entertainment but as a serious player on the sports scene. With the anticipation of the Sharks’ performance and the Big Ten's Media Days on the horizon, it is clear Las Vegas is ready to host these sporting luminaries and showcase its ability to merge sports with the entertainment capital of the world.