Rugby Sevens to remain in Las Vegas
After three successive years of growth in Las Vegas, the USA Sevens international rugby tournament signed a two-year extension to continue playing at Sam Boyd Stadium.
USA Sevens executive vice president Dan Lyle said he hopes for a long-term relationship with Las Vegas. The organization hopes to establish more of a community presence by creating a host committee similar to the one run by the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.
"We'd like to be involved with the city another 50 years and bring a couple of more rugby events," Lyle said Thursday. "We believe in Vegas."
He will believe in the city even more if UNLV builds a new on-campus stadium. The issue is expected to go before the Legislature next year. Lyle said a new stadium would help ensure a long-term partnership, but said he is pleased with the tournament's success at Sam Boyd.
Attendance increased from 30,000 in 2010 to 32,500 last year to 64,500 - including 30,112 for one session - for February's three-day event. It was a two-day tournament the first two years.
The economic impact has risen from $11 million in 2010 to $19.5 million, with the percentage of international visitors climbing from 15 percent to 30 percent.
Lyle credited a collaborative effort with UNLV and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.
"That's the key to making it a success," he said. "It isn't easy with a new sport."
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.
