Over 4000 Las Vegas tickets have been sold to fans of Wigan and Warrington in just three days, according to Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick. The NBA’s LA Lakers have expressed interest in promoting the event. This surge in ticket sales for the Super League event has surprised officials, with Wigan fans reporting only single tickets remaining in their bays.
The recent dress rehearsal for the March 1 event saw Sam Burgess’s Warrington team deliver an exceptional performance, defeating the world champion Warriors 40-4. This victory not only ended the Warriors’ 17-match winning streak at home but also propelled Warrington to the top of the Super League standings.
British fans have a strong tradition of supporting their sports teams abroad, and the response to the Vegas event has been remarkable. Fitzpatrick mentioned that ticket sales from the UK are nearing 4000, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. The long lead-in time to the event gives supporters ample time to save up or make use of payment plans to attend.
While NRL teams have the luxury of spending a fortnight in the US before playing at Allegiant Stadium, Wigan and Warrington will already be in the midst of the 2025 Super League season. This could potentially lead to one of them playing in the World Club Challenge the weekend before the Vegas event.
In addition to the Vegas event, Warrington is looking into a collaboration with the LA Lakers. Fitzpatrick mentioned that there is a possibility of sending players to a Lakers game for a reconnaissance mission. The Lakers have shown interest in supporting the Super League event in some capacity.
Warrington recently confirmed the signing of John Bateman from Wests Tigers for the rest of the season. While there is speculation about Bateman’s future beyond this year, Fitzpatrick remained non-committal, stating that discussions about 2025 have not taken place yet.
During the recent match, tension between Sam Burgess and Wigan coach Matty Peet was highlighted, with Burgess expressing displeasure over Peet’s interactions with former Wigan player Sam Powell. Despite the competitive nature of the exchange, Burgess emphasized the importance of adding players like Bateman to the team based on their competitive spirit and character.
As the excitement builds for the Vegas event, fans can look forward to an electrifying clash between Wigan and Warrington, with both teams vying for victory in this highly anticipated Super League showdown. The collaboration with the LA Lakers adds another layer of excitement to the event, showcasing the global appeal of rugby league and the enthusiasm of fans to support their teams on an international stage.