The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo championship is back in town and is filled with the best of the best in the sport from bareback riding to barrel racing. From December 5-14, competitors come to show off their skills in a 10-day event that is one of the most exciting rodeo experiences in the world. On top of an exciting main event, NFR is in Las Vegas – which means plenty of chances to rock your cowboy boots at a party or two. Read below to learn more about the event and where to catch watch parties and hoedowns!
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Known as the Super Bowl of Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas features an impressive list of competitors. Held annually since 1959, the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers, and livestock in the world.
The newly extended contract signed between Las Vegas Events and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas through 2035, and raises higher prize money pools throughout the years. It is watched by millions of viewers on broadcast TV, and 157,580 people attended in-person in 2023, making it one of the most highly-watched rodeo events in the world.
The Top 15 contestants in the standard rodeo events – bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, WPRA barrel racing, and bull riding, qualify to compete at the National Finals Rodeo based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings for a share of the record-setting $12.5 million prize and the coveted Gold Buckle.
The National Finals Rodeo consists of 10 rounds. There is one round on each of the 10 consecutive days between December 5-14, and each contestant competes once each day.
At the end of the NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping). The first champion is the average winner with the best cumulative time or score over 10 rounds. The second champion is the world champion who finished the year with the most money (including what they earned at the NFR). Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing first through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing first through eighth in the average. For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or different people.
NFR Las Vegas goes big, and it doesn’t stop at entertainment. If you’re a big fan of country music, you aren’t going to want to miss this star-studded lineup. With big country names like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Brad Paisley, Wynonna Judd, Shaboozey, and so much more, the NFR is one of the best places to be for country fans. You can catch other acts from popular artists and entertainers such as Larry the Cable Guy and the Eagles as well.
One of the best NFR Las Vegas traditions, the Cowboy Christmas will occupy over 500,000 square-feet of show floor and host 350+ vendors from across the United States and Canada. These vendors will showcase their unique products which will include: customized jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and pottery, as well as providing the best source for the Official Wrangler NFR and PRCA merchandise.
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas introduces the all-new Cowboy Commons area to the Las Vegas Convention Center. This 25,000-square-foot space will feature two stages, a boot shine station, an NFR historical display, the Rodeo Saloon, and more. Guests can enjoy daily entertainment, live podcasts, and plenty of fun, making it the perfect spot to soak in the rodeo spirit throughout all 10 days of the event.
When you arrive at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, you will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy prior to and following each rodeo performance. Don’t miss all the action before and after the NFR each night at the Cowboy Corral. Get to the arena an hour early and kick up your heels while enjoying live entertainment from Old Hickory, Josh Weathers, and Justin Andrews and Neon Lights for the full cowboy experience.
On December 4, the Downtown Hoedown at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas will kick off the National Finals Rodeo festivities with a free concert featuring country stars Randy Houser, Jackson Dean, Chase Matthew, Annie Bosko, and Jenna Paulette. Grab a drink at D Bar while Fremont Street transforms into a country music paradise, offering fans an unforgettable night of live music and celebration.
Experience NFR from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center at Gary Leffew’s Buckaroo Ball. DLVEC is hosting free NFR viewing parties open to the public on December 5-14 at 5 pm so everyone can watch the action in style. Once the sun has set, stick around for Buckaroo Ball: After Dark, where there will be 10 nights of country music from 8-11 with performances by Braxton Keith, Chancey Williams, and more for just $25 a night.
From 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, December 10, head to Overhang Bar at Circa Las Vegas for an exclusive meet-and-greet with your favorite NFR Steer Wrestlers. Fans can grab autographs, take photos, and connect with the stars of the rodeo. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in style and get up close with the athletes who make it unforgettable!
Pack your cowboy boots and get ready for the ultimate event that is NFR Las Vegas! With hoedowns, epic rides, exciting concerts, and more, this is going to be a Las Vegas trip like no other. Book your room at the D Las Vegas Hotel to be right in the middle of all the action so you don’t have to miss a single moment! You can even book the Relax’n Rodeo Hotel Package that offers a 2-night hotel stay (December 5-14), $25 match play for each person for Club One players card holders, and a reserved table at the Buckaroo Ball NFR Viewing Party.
Even better, the D, Circa, and Golden Gate will be hosting a “Buck Wild Giveaway” for every day of the rodeo from December 4-14, 2024. Each property will be holding daily drawings for your chance to win exciting prizes like NFR tickets, Boot Barn gift cards, and exclusive NFR gear. At the D, you won’t want to miss the grand finale on December 14, where one lucky winner will receive an exclusive saddle! Club One members can also increase their chances by participating in different casino activities. Learn more about the giveaway here.
