NFL players have upcoming games on the schedule circled. It could be against a former team or from a rival that handed them a rough defeat. Philadelphia Eagles fans are known to travel well and they definitely have certain away games circled.
This year, one game immediately leapt off the page, a game in Las Vegas against the Raiders.
A trip to Las Vegas to watch the Eagles has all the makings of a dream vacation for a Philadelphia sports fan.
Philadelphia Eagles 2021 schedule
The NFL officially released its 2021 schedule last night. However, there were unofficial Twitter leaks throughout the day. The Eagles tweeted their 2021 schedule which starts in Atlanta against the Falcons on September 12.
The expanded 17-game season looks to be a rebuilding one for the Eagles. After a disappointing 4-11-1 record last year, they fired head coach Doug Pederson, the only coach to ever win a Super Bowl for the franchise. Then they shipped disgruntled franchise quarterback Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.
All signs point to second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts getting the Week 1 start. Pennsylvania online sportsbooks already have Week 1 lines up. At BetMGM, the Eagles are 3.5-point underdogs with the total points line at 47.
Demand for Eagles trip to Vegas highest ever
Joe DiBiaggio is the owner of Phans of Philly which organizes travel packages for Philadelphia sports teams.
In over ten years in business, he’s seen an unprecedented level of interest for the Philadelphia Eagles Vegas trip. The Eagles visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 24.
“I started taking priority list deposits a few months ago….even before the vaccine rollout,” said DiBiaggio. “I think a lot of people are eager to get out and travel. We took 300 priority list deposits and have been receiving a ton of emails inquiring about the trip.”
The Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas last year. The Raiders’ $2 billion new home, Allegiant Stadium, did not host fans in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Phans of Philly Vegas trip is a four-night travel package which includes round-trip non-stop airfare, hotel rooms on the Vegas strip, an all-inclusive welcome party, an all-inclusive tailgate party, and tickets to the game (seated with Eagles fans). Fans interested in the trip can customize the package and should contact DiBiaggio for more details.
Despite the Eagles’ 6.5 over/under win total at Pennsylvania online sports betting apps, fans are eager to hit the road.
“Vegas sells itself,” said DiBiaggio. “The game is the main attraction but there is so much more to do. I think a lot of fans are traveling to get away at this point. Some fans are excited because they couldn’t go to a game last year and are just happy to go to a game.”
The Eagles trip to Denver on Nov. 14 is the second most popular road trip choice, said DiBiaggio.
Tips for Eagles and NFL fans visiting Las Vegas
Marc Meltzer contributes to various media outlets including PlayNevada.com. He writes about the gambling, drinking and dining industries in Las Vegas. His Instagram is filled with scenes from Sin City that make you want to book a flight ASAP. I am seriously considering putting in for a transfer to be his assistant. (I haven’t figured out how to mention it to my editor…or my husband).
PlayPennsylvania asked Meltzer some questions about visiting Las Vegas for the Eagles game…or any other NFL weekend.
What hotels are closest to Allegiant Stadium?
Meltzer: Mandalay Bay and Luxor are closest. Excalibur is next followed by Tropicana, MGM Grand and New York-New York.
If you aren’t going to the game/can’t get a ticket, what are some sportsbooks where you should watch?
Meltzer: Mandalay Bay is large and close which should provide a fun environment. It has relatively new screens, too. Circa Sportsbook and Stadium Swim are great options. The latter should be amazing for the early season when people want to be outside. Westgate is still one of the biggest and best sportsbooks. The Mirage is another large option on the Vegas Strip. I prefer large sportsbooks for football because the atmosphere is usually intense.
Advice for people visiting Vegas during an NFL weekend?
Meltzer: Visit a casino and fund a sportsbook app before game day. Make restaurant and show reservations in advance because there should be plenty of visitors during the weekend. Lastly, check entertainment listings before visiting. There should be events taking place the Friday and Saturday before home games.
Restaurant recommendations?
- Heritage Steak at The Mirage
- Stripsteak at Mandalay Bay
- Yardbird and Majordomo at The Venetian
- Jean Georges at Aria
- Bavettes at Park MGM
- Breakfast outside at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris
How much is a Philadelphia Eagles Vegas trip?
Ask ten people how much a Vegas trip costs and you’ll get ten different answers.
For the Philadelphia Eagles Vegas trip, we’ll price out the flight, tickets and hotel room.
As of Thursday afternoon, ticket prices for Eagles vs. Raiders at Ticketmaster ranged from $540 to $2,400 (plus fees).
A non-stop flight on American Airlines leaving Philadelphia on Saturday Oct. 23 and returning on Oct. 25 costs $712 roundtrip.
A room at Luxor (checking in Oct. 23 and checking out Oct. 25) would be $360 a night (before fees). Mandalay Bay is $762.
Lead image credit: AP Photo/David Becker
