Las Vegas: USA Rugby Sevens tournament begins Jan. 24

The USA Rugby Sevens tournament in Las Vegas later this month promises lots of excitement on the field and plenty of things to do in the run-up to the game.

This relatively new form of rugby features seven players to a side, instead of the usual 15. Teams from 16 nations will square off in the competition Jan. 24-26. Forty-four games will be played at Sam Boyd Stadium, about 10 miles east of the Strip at 7000 E. Russell Road in Las Vegas.

The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22 when members of Team USA will gather with supporters for a pep rally at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

A Parade of Nations will wind its way along the Fremont Street Experience starting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23. A DJ will provide music as teams from across the globe are introduced.

During the games, the stadium will be ringed by vendors selling traditional foods from participating countries. The goodies will include Argentine barbecue, New Zealand meat pies and Tongan chicken.

Fans often create colorful costumes to show their spirit during the matches.

After the final game, players and fans will mingle at a wrap party. It gets underway at 5 p.m. Jan. 26 at at the Monte Carlo, the official host hotel.

Single-day tickets and two- and three-day packages are available online.