Las Vegas chases World Cup crowds without staging a match | OneFootball

Las Vegas is pitching the World Cup as an experience rather than a host city. According to L'Équipe, its extravagant watch parties are attracting fans, though take-up has been uneven.

At Circa’s Stadium Swim, Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on 17 June filled a 44-metre screen while other sports ran nearby. Hundreds lounged across tiered decks and pools in 41C heat, well below the 4,000 capacity.

Visitors spanned locals and tourists, from Parisians on a road trip to Austrians awaiting their side. Algerian friends Taha and Khalil chose a week in Vegas over paying €1,000 to see a match in Kansas City, and planned to watch Algeria face Jordan in Santa Clara overnight on Monday.

The city had courted FIFA but Allegiant Stadium did not align with bid requirements, and a mooted draw at the Sphere later moved to Washington. Resorts answered with promotions, notably a $400 Circa bundle for two nights with $100 food and $100 drink credit plus free Stadium Swim access, or day entry from $25 and submerged seating from $60 with a $300 minimum spend.

There was colour throughout, from Vegas-based Messi devotees to an American in Stars and Stripes gear, yet the Strip stayed quiet after dark. By morning, shirts returned at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, then the Irish Spot pub filled with England and Portugal colours as Come on England greeted Harry Kane’s opener against Croatia before eyes drifted back to the gaming screens.

Source: L'Équipe