WNiF Magazine - Autumn 2014 Edition | Page 36

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: • 36 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