Sin City is unfurling another side and fast becoming a prime
destination for a well-deserved “Sportscation”. Several
events have settled in nicely, for example, just north of the
city, Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) hosts NASCAR and
the premier championship rodeo event, The National Finals
Rodeo, gives Christmas in Nevada a whole new meaning.
Earlier this year I dropped by to see the USA Sevens
Tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium (www.usasevens.com). I
was keen to see what all the hulabaloo was about, as I met
a few fans that were heading to the event on my flight from
Honolulu.
This three-day fest is the largest professional rugby
tournament in the US, and the fifth of nine stops on the
Sevens World Series. Featuring 16 of the world’s elite teams,
the Series is gaining popularity in the US in the lead up to
the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where Sevens rugby
makes its debut. As much a part of the fast-paced games
themselves, is the people watching opportunities. Fans love
to dress up and the Americans are no exception; I’ve never
seen the stars and stripes worn in so many cuts, styles and
combinations. The entertainment quarter, a collection of
food and merchandise stalls as well as an entertainment
stage, is just as much an integral part of the carnival
atmosphere.
It’s a show-stopping event that draws a mainly domestic
crowd with the odd South African, Aussie and Kiwi jersey as
well as a few kilts thrown into the mix. This year South Africa
smashes it, winning the title and defeating series champions
New Zealand. But if there was a prize for individuality and
national identity, then the US crowd wins it, hands down.
Let’s get physical!
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority public relations
manager, Jenelle Jacks says that although many of the 40
million annual visitors come for the casinos and nightlife,
there are many who visit for conventions and major sporting
events.
The city is strategically placed close to many natural
attractions such as the north rim of the Grand Canyon,
Death Valley, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, and there’s a
range of hiking trails in the surrounding mountain ranges
with Red Rock and Bootleg Canyons particularly impressive.
For some adrenalin-filled thrills and spills try:
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Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon: Experience a different side
of Las Vegas out in the desert and fresh mountain air.
Hike or mountain bike the many trails twisting through
Bootleg Canyon or take to the skies for four thrilling
zipline rides that scream along at speeds up to 100 kph.
Zipline Tours start at US$159. www.flightlinezbootleg.com
•
Dream Racing: Find your inner speed demon and put
the pedal to the metal in a Ferrari F430 GT Race Car as
you tear up the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Five laps including 12 minutes in a simulator starts at
US$499. www.dreamracing.com
•
Helicopter Sightseeing Tours: Fly from Las Vegas over
the Nevada desert, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam and
land in the mighty Grand Canyon. Tours start from
US$114 for scenic flights over Las Vegas to US$564 for a
helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon/rafting on the
Colorado River combo. www.maverickhelicopter.com
The writer was a guest of Las Vegas Convention &
Visitors Authority and Nevada Commission on Tourism
and Hawaiian Airlines www.visitlasvegas.com.au www.
travelnevada.com www.hawaiianairlines.com.au
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - AUTUMN 2014