March 6, 2016
USA Sevens Sets Attendance Recor
Photo: Jack Megaw
USA Sevens Press Release: March 6, 2017
LAS VEGAS – The 2016 USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament set a record-breaking attendance figure of 80,138 throughout the three-day event at Sam Boyd Stadium, March 4-6.
“Since the tournament first came to Las Vegas in February 2010, attendance numbers have increased by 100 percent,” said Jonathan First, president of United World Sports. “With rugby making its return to the Summer Olympic Games this year, its growth will continue to excel, allowing us to continue the trend of record-breaking attendance in the years to come.”
For the seventh consecutive year, North America’s premier rugby event showcased the growth of the sport by attracting audiences across the globe, filling Sam Boyd Stadium with consecutive daily crowds of 18,441, 35,716 and 25,981. In addition, the Las Vegas round was broadcasted live on NBC and NBCSN, allowing the tournament to reach national and international audiences in over 400 million homes and 147 countries.
With the addition of rugby sevens in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, spectators witnessed 16 countries compete in 45 matches in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Teams competing in the Olympic Games include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States, with one more team scheduled to qualify.
The Fijian national rugby sevens team defended last year’s title during the USA Sevens Las Vegas Cup Final by defeating Australia 21-15 in the championship match held on Sunday, March 6. In addition, Team USA rugby sevens team placed fourth in the HSBC World Series Las Vegas round after a 10-21 defeat against South Africa.
On Saturday, March 5, the record-breaking crowds were on their feet following an on-field performance by legendary Jamaican singer OMI, who performed his hit single “Cheerleader” and “Hula Hoop.” Coinciding with the tournament, the International Beer, Wine & Food Festival provided an intercontinental experience with a combination of more than 50 global food and promotional vendors.
Throughout the week leading up to the tournament, Las Vegas turned into rugby central with a variety of events, including a Team USA Olympic Pep Rally at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, a Parade of Nations with all 16 countries walking the red carpet down the iconic Fremont Street Experience, autograph sessions, nightly events at top bars and nightclubs and more, which allowed fans to get up close and personal with their favorite rugby stars.
The USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament is scheduled to return to Las Vegas next March.
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About United World Sports:
United World Sports (UWS) LLC hosts a dynamic line up of emerging sports properties and has quickly become the leader at delivering premier international sports properties to U.S. audiences. UWS’ flagship property is the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament held annually in Las Vegas. This exciting 16-nation, three-day tournament has become the largest attended rugby event in North America with more than 75,000 fans coming to Sam Boyd Stadium. Broadcast live on NBC Sports the tournament serves as the only U.S. stop on a ten-city world tour and reaches more than 400 million television households worldwide. Additional UWS properties include the Las Vegas Invitational, which occurs alongside the USA Sevens and is the largest participatory rugby tournament in the western hemisphere; the America’s Rugby Seven’s Cup; the Penn Mutual College Rugby Championship (CRC); the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Rugby Championship and the Pro Soccer Challenge.
About USA Sevens Rugby:
The annual USA Sevens international rugby tournament is the premier rugby event in North America as well as the fifth event out of ten in the 2016 HSBC Sevens World Series. Fans in attendance will see 16 international rugby sevens teams play 45 matches during a three-day competition in an attempt to gain points in the Sevens World Series standings. Fans can stay updated on all the latest USA Sevens Rugby news, events and details by following on Facebook (USA Sevens Rugby Tournament And Festival), Twitter (@USASevensRugby), Vine (@USASevensRugby) and Instagram (@USASevensRugby).
Played on the same size field as traditional 15-player rugby, rugby sevens is played with just seven players per team. Matches have seven-minute halves with two-minute intervals for pool and knock-out matches. The fast pace and short duration of matches makes every moment of the action thrilling for spectators.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Dadas / Lea Komitzky / Terri Maruca
Kirvin Doak Communications
USASevensRugby@kirvindoak.com
702-737-3100
