- The NRL descended on Las Vegas on Sunday for the first round of the season
- Some fans were left shocked by the high prices for food and drink on offer
Footy fans flocked to Las Vegas this weekend for the opening round of the NRL but some were left stunned by the price of food and drink at the Allegiant Stadium.
Defending champions Penrith got their 2025 season off to a flying start with Nathan Cleary starring in their 28-22 victory against the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday.
It came as the Canberra Raiders sealed a 30-8 victory against the New Zealand Warriors, while the Jillaroos thumped England 90-4 in Sin City.
Rugby League bosses saw an increase in crowds from the 2024 event, with an official capacity crowd of 45,209 being reported in attendance.
But it appears those in attendance looking to grab themself a pre-match hotdog or a half-time beer were being charged a pretty penny for food and drink.
That’s according to Phil Rothfield of The Daily Telegraph, who claimed he will ‘never again complain about the prices at NRL venues’ having noted the fees that the Allegiant Stadium’s confectionary stands were charging.
Some rugby league fans were left shocked by the high price off food and drink on offer at the Allegiant Stadium
Fans flocked to Las Vegas as the New Zealand Warriors, Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks got their NRL season’s underway
but fans were being charged over $20 for a beer and $27 for a sub sandwich, according to reports
According to Rothfield, a premium draft beer cost fans a staggering AU$25.76 (US$15.99) while a bottle of Coca-Cola is priced at AU$12.87 (US$7.99).
Meanwhile, the stadium was also serving sub sandwiches that cost AU$27.37 (US$27.37).
Footlong hotdogs were priced at AU$16.09 (US$9.99).
And popcorn didn’t come in cheap either, in fact costing nearly the same price as a beer, with fans paying AU$24.15 (US$14.99) for a box of popcorn.
Despite the eyewatering prices, the venture to the United States appears to have been a huge success.
With rugby league bosses having secured free-to-air coverage in the United States, the sport has been able to reach a breadth of new audiences, with some US viewers left impressed by proceedings.
One fan told Fox Sports that they had planned to only stay and watch half an hour of the games but ended up staying for six hours.
‘We love it. We thought we were going to stay 30 minutes, but we’ve been here six hours now and counting.
‘It’s been awesome. The game is fun and fast. The women were amazing.
‘It’s impressive (having no helmets and pads). People love the NFL in America, this is the speed and athleticism of the NFL without pads. Unbelievable.’
