Bronco fans find all flights lead to Vegas
Thousands of Brisbane Bronco supporters have joined the exodus from Brisbane Airport to Las Vegas for the historic season opener in the United States.
Beyond the Broncos faithful, Brisbane’s International Terminal is an eclectic mix of NRL jerseys, with the Rabbitohs, Roosters, and Sea Eagles proudly represented. Impressively, three-quarters of the tickets sold for the Australian contingent making their way to Allegiant Stadium were secured by passionate Queenslanders.
And they’re finding many routes to get to Las Vegas.
- Qantas flights via Los Angeles
- United Airlines services via San Francisco
- Air New Zealand via Auckland
- Fiji Airways via Nadi
- Air Canada via Vancouver
"We've swiftly transitioned from Tay Tay fans in the terminal to a sea of footy jerseys almost overnight,” says Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport Media and Corporate Communications Manager.
“Thousands of passionate Broncos supporters are embarking on a journey of a lifetime to Vegas, traveling from Brisbane via various routes through Nadi, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
Trevor Raymond from Nambour arrived at the terminal wearing an oversized Broncos hat.
“Pretty keen to do this. I’ve been a main follower of Brisbane for a lot of years, and this will be a major trip for me over there. Meet all the boys, can’t wait. I think it’s a magic thing.”
So what is Trevor looking forward to seeing on his US visit?
“Having a look at their gridiron over there if I can get to a game, lose a couple of quid on the slot machines or pokies, flying over the Grand Canyon, that will be absolutely wonderful.”
Petrisha and Mario Pace boarded their flights dressed for the occasion.
“We’ve got our homemade shirts with our ‘Vegas Baby 2024’ on the back. Let’s take the NRL over to the US and find some new supporters and bring the interest to Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us; it’s going to be great, can’t wait."
Spotted on board a United Airlines flight UA97, five-time Olympian Natalie Cook.
“I’m very excited going to Vegas for the NRL, watching the Broncos, go the Broncs! And also to play some golf, to watch U2 in the Sphere, see a show on the Las Vegas Strip, I can’t wait.”
So how does Nat Cook think the NRL will go down with American audiences?
“All my American friends say, ‘how do they play without pads on?’. So they’re going to see it for the first time up close instead of on TV. And hear the tackles and hear the thuds, the excitement, the momentum. Our game never stops, and I’m excited to showcase it to the Americans. Might take ‘em a few years to get it, but they will.”
On Thursday, more than 200 dedicated fans will board the "Vegas Express," a Dreamliner charter jet direct from Brisbane to Las Vegas. Passengers will have the opportunity to mingle with Queensland State of Origin legends Greg Inglis, Paul Vautin, and Sam Thaiday.
“Brisbane - Las Vegas direct is a very unique route to see on BNE’s departure board, that’s for sure,” commented Peter Doherty. 
In a groundbreaking move, the NRL Telstra Premiership season will kick off on American soil as the Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Roosters, and Broncos face off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
A fortnight ago the Brisbane Broncos held their season launch party in a hanger at Brisbane Airport. Last week, 22 players and 18 support staff embarked on their journey to the USA.
“From December, Brisbane will have 34 flights per week between Brisbane and North America when Delta Air Lines and American Airlines join Qantas, United, and Air Canada on flights across The Pacific. The connection between Queensland and North America has never been stronger, and this NRL launch is a unique part of it.”
For interviews, contact Brisbane Airport’s 24/7 media hotline: 0466 322 485.