Las Vegas has been home to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) for four decades now, and a new contract guarantees it will remain in the city for another 12 years.
The rodeo attracts the top 120 contestants in the world to compete for a share of the $12.5 million purse. In 2023, 157,580 attended. It has sold out 359 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.
This year's edition of what's often called the Super Bowl of Rodeo will be held from Dec. 5 to 14 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will offer several events and opportunities for all, not just ticketholders.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas, debuting a two-year partnership with the rodeo, will have exclusive viewing opportunities in The Tavern, entertainment featuring four shows with country superstar Thomas Rhett in the BleauLive Theater, special performances in the Nowhere speakeasy and a shuttle to and from the arena.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, will also host performances by country music stars, viewing parties and room specials. Free watch parties in 24 Oxford, sponsored by Rock & Roll Denim, will include giveaways and prizes, including a chance to be styled and dressed by Western fashion and lifestyle influencer Shaley Ham and rodeo tickets.
Riley Webb competes at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center in 2023. Photo Credit: Clay Guardipee
The 21st annual Rodeo Vegas after-party will take place each night in the Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas. Sponsored by Teton Ridge, a Western sports media, lifestyle and entertainment company, country music stars Wade Bowen, Easton Corbin, Paul Cauthen, Gavin Adcock and Casey Donahew are scheduled to make appearances.
In addition to free, live viewing parties in the International Bar, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino's free music lineup features Kenny Feidler & The Cowboy Killers (Dec. 5), Tyler Halverson (Dec. 7), Corb Lund (Dec. 11) and Braxton Keith (Dec. 14).
The Rio Hotel & Casino will also have nightly watch parties with celebrity guests, live music, the Stetson Country Christmas shopping expo and its own rodeo competition.
The Fremont Street Experience will transform into a country music mecca during its Downtown Hoedown on Dec. 4 with free performances by Randy Houser, Jackson Dean and Chase Matthew.
Cowboy Christmas
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, National Finals Rodeo's official gift show, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall. Admission is free.
For the first time, the Wrangler Rodeo Arena will be in a tented area in the Bronze parking lots adjacent to the Thomas & Mack. With a capacity about 900, it will host a variety of events and competitions, including the Yeti Junior World Finals with contestants 19 years old and younger competing in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, girls and boys breakaway, team roping, tie-down roping, pole bending and barrel racing.
Fans have many opportunities to meet their favorite rodeo stars during National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Michael Roberts
Cowboy Christmas includes the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage with daily programming; Cowboy Commons--Where Friends Gather, with a boot shine, hat bar, the Rodeo Saloon and a stage for acoustic performances; Cowboy Christmas Village presented by Clint Orms, with photo walls, Christmas trees and daily appearances by Santa Claus; and Bites and Brews' custom food and beverage carts.
Autograph sessions
Rodeo contestants will be available in autograph sessions throughout the city beginning on Friday, Dec. 6.
All sessions are free and are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
• Barrel racers, Friday, Dec. 6, Golden Nugget (grand foyer).
• Tie-down ropers, Dec. 7, MGM Grand (main lobby).
• Team ropers, Dec. 9, Horseshoe (Guy Fieri's Flavortown Sports Kitchen).
• Steer wrestlers, Dec. 10, Circa Las Vegas (Underhang Bar, must be at least 21 to enter).
• Bull riders, Dec. 11, at Treasure Island (Gilley's Saloon).
• Bareback riders, Dec. 12, at New York-New York (Beerhaus).
• Saddle bronc riders, Dec. 13, at Resorts World (Wrangler Dawg House Saloon).
Getting around
Rodeo fans can use a complimentary shuttle bus service, called the NFR Express, that offers routes from the Las Vegas Convention Center and official host hotels on the Strip and downtown to the Thomas & Mack Center. Pick-ups begin around 4 p.m., and return trips run until 9:45 p.m.
For more details about the event, go to the NFRexperience website.
CORRECTED: This report was updated on Nov. 20 to correct an editing error; the correct link for the Rio Hotel & Casino was added.