LAS VEGAS - International sports fans are flocking to Las Vegas this weekend for the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament. This is the second straight year Las Vegas hosts the tournament.
See a Complete Schedule for the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament
The next two days will feature 44 games of the world's roughest sport. When the international players aren't part of the hard-hitting action, they plan to explore the action Las Vegas has to offer.
"Really, any excuse to get out to the lovely city of Las Vegas," said rugby player Dany Aruso. "With the lights and all the action, to play in this tournament here, it's a lot of great competition from around the country."
"We're staying at the Tropicana out on the Strip," said Aruso. "Some of the guys are going to go out see some of the shows, see some of the sights, take in the atmosphere. Las Vegas is a great host for this tournament."
Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit Las Vegas this weekend for the 2011 USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament. When the matches end, the fans search for other entertainment, pumping much-needed cash into our city's coffers.
"This is amazing business for Las Vegas," said Tropicana executive Joni Peru. "Las Vegas has seen such a difficult time over the past two and a half to three years. Whenever you bring a new event in town like this, it does amazing things. It keeps working. It keeps the casinos busy. There's a different kind of energy. It almost breathes a new kind of life into the city."
Crown and Anchor Pub also expects a surge in business this weekend. It plans to show most of the tournament on its big screen televisions.
"It's really good. It's good (for) Vegas. It's good for us. It's good for everyone," said Crown & Anchor worker June Lemoy.
Las Vegas businesses will work hard this weekend to keep rugby fans coming back. "Rugby fans like to travel. The lure of Las Vegas brings people from around the world. So, you're going to see a very diverse crowd Saturday and Sunday," said Aruso.
The games kick off Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
