McMahon set the season in motion by welcoming the crowd for the game between the Las Vegas Outlaws and New York/New Jersey Hitmen. Legendary NFL linebacker Dick Butkus then announced to the fans that possession would be determined by two players trying to grab a football stationed at midfield.

Las Vegas safety Jamel Williams and New York/New Jersey's Donnie Caldwell were the participants, with Williams being the first player in XFL history to recover the opening ""jump ball"". The Outlaws took their initial possession into field goal range where Andy McCallum booted a 33-yard field goal for the first score.

Ryan Clement threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns, and Las Vegas was never challenged as the Outlaws shut down the New York/New Jersey Hitmen, 19-0.