Excitement is bubbling away about the NRL’s season opener spectacular in Sin City at the beginning of March, barely one month removed from the Nevada city hosting the Super Bowl; a legacy moment for Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs.
So what’s the League got in store?
Billed as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas is renowned for, among other things, its world-famous strip, lined with many of the globe’s grandest casinos and the 2009 comedic film ‘The Hangover’.
It’s also now the temporary home of rugby league.
For the thousands of Australians migrating to Las Vegas for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch rugby league under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium there will be no shortage of activities to partake in.
For those wishing to catch any of the mountains of sport on offer during their pilgrimage to Vegas, there is an untold number of sports bars where you can sit back, unwind and sink your teeth into some sporting action. Here are five of the best for your pleasure.
The 5 best sports bars in Las Vegas
1. The Westgate Superbook Bar
Located in: Westgate Las Vegas
Opening hours: 7 am – 10 pm
One thing to note about the Westgate Superbook Bar is the sheer size of the television screen, which extends from one end of the bar to the other and is reminiscent of the curved big screen at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Split into multiple different mini screens that showcase various sporting events around the globe simultaneously it can be a little overwhelming at first, with your eyes unsure of which sport and screen to focus on.
But, with plenty of seating options and food and drink varieties available for punters spending an afternoon or evening in the Superbook Bar, there is almost no reason for rugby league fans to leave after they’ve arrived.
The only downside to the Westgate Superbook Bar is that it doesn’t sit on the infamous Las Vegas strip, meaning a lengthy walk, ride on Vegas’ monorail or short taxi trip are the only options available to get there.
2. ARIA Sports Bar, ARIA Las Vegas
Located in: ARIA Casino and Resort
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
From the edge of the strip to smack bang in the middle of it, ARIA’s sports bar is tucked into a small corner of the vast casino floor right next to Moneyline Pizza Bar. With several plush seating options and plenty of screens, both small and large, running across every wall of the venue, it’s one of Sin City’s most underrated sports bars.
Unlike the Westgate, ARIA is conveniently located in the middle of the strip, within walking distance of the infamous Bellagio and Caesars Palace resorts, meaning rugby league fans aren’t too far from the action, should they consider parking up for an afternoon of sports.
3. Level Up, MGM Grand
Located in: MGM Grand Las Vegas
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 3 pm – 2 am
Saturday 10 am – 2 am
Sunday 11 am – 2 am
Level Up is a fantastic spot to park up for some sports viewing. Whether it’s basketball, baseball or football, it’s got enough screens to cater for every fan. There’s no shortage of food and beverage options too, with a bar located smack bang in the middle of the venue.
4. Tap Las Vegas, MGM Grand
Located in: MGM Grand Las Vegas
Opening hours:
Monday, Thursday – Sunday 11 am – 10 pm
Tuesday – Wednesday 4 pm – 10 pm
Another sports bar located in the iconic MGM Grand, Tap Las Vegas boasts some 60 screens, ensuring patrons miss none of the global sporting action on show. On top of having a wonderful sports bar vibe, and almost 360-degree access to screens, its menu is loaded with staples of American cuisine, meaning rugby league fans migrating for the season opener can immerse themselves in a quintessentially American sports viewing experience.
5. Beer Park, Paris Casino
Located in: Paris Las Vegas
Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm
Beer Park is a bit of a different option for rugby league fans as it is outdoors and March in Las Vegas is notoriously cold. However, it basically sits atop the infamous strip and is directly opposite the infamous Bellagio resort fountain means Beer Park offers unparalleled views of everything grand and amazing about Las Vegas.
With plenty of beverage options and a menu loaded with delicious traditional American favourites, there isn’t much downside to spending an afternoon at Beer Park, aside from the fact it is outdoors and at the behest of the wintery Las Vegas elements.
