Knights' Las Vegas Debut: Live Shows, UFC Training & NFL Security
The Newcastle Knights are embarking on a groundbreaking journey to Las Vegas for their maiden NRL round one appearance, with a detailed itinerary that blends football preparation with unique American experiences.
Journey to Nevada
Departing on Friday, February 20, the Knights will undertake an extensive 27-hour journey from Newcastle to Nevada. The travelling party consists of 43 individuals, including 23 players and 20 staff members. Their route involves a bus trip to Sydney, followed by a 14-hour flight to Los Angeles, connecting flights to Las Vegas, and final transfers to their accommodation.
Vegas Experience Before Football
Before focusing on their NRL season opener against the Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 (AEDT), the Knights will immerse themselves in Las Vegas culture. Knights director of football Chris James revealed the team plans to spend Saturday, February 21 exploring the city, dining together, and attending a live Vegas show.
"We'll have Saturday as a bit of an opportunity to do some things in Vegas as a team," James told the Newcastle Herald. "We'll spend a day exploring Vegas, have dinner together and then take the team to a Vegas show on the Saturday night. Have a bit of a Vegas experience."
Training with UFC Fighters
The Knights' preparation week will follow a familiar pattern with main training sessions scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at various venues arranged by the NRL. However, their strength and conditioning work will occur at a distinctive location.
"We'll do all our wrestle and gym at the UFC centre," James confirmed. "UFC have been great supporters of the NRL since the first year in Vegas. It's one of their elite performance centres around the world, so we'll be training there at the same time fighters will be there training which is a great experience."
NFL-Level Security Measures
Ensuring player safety and privacy during their American adventure, the Knights have engaged specialized local security services. James explained they're using the same security firm that works with the Las Vegas Raiders NFL franchise.
"I use a local Vegas security firm that work with the Las Vegas Raiders," he said. "They know everyone, they know all the establishments, they know how to be in the background. When we go out we'll always have those local guys there."
Grand Final Atmosphere in Round One
James likened the entire experience to "a grand final week" despite it occurring in round one and on the opposite side of the world. The trip spans nearly two weeks, with the team returning home immediately after their season-opening match.
Fan Engagement Events
As part of the NRL's third venture to Las Vegas, several off-field events are planned. These include an overall FanFest on Fremont Street on Thursday (local US time) and a gathering hosted by Knights old boys Mark Hughes and Kurt Gidley at the Hard Rock Cafe, the club's official bar, on game eve.
James expressed uncertainty about how many of the estimated 45,000 spectators expected for the three-match program would be Knights supporters in 2026, but emphasized the club's commitment to making their first Las Vegas appearance memorable both on and off the field.
