Rodeo Fans to Enjoy a Variety of On-Site Entertainment Prior to and Following the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

LAS VEGAS

When rodeo fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center for the 40th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, they will be welcomed by multiple entertainment activations to enjoy prior to and following each epic rodeo performance. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 13.

The NFR Experience that accents the live rodeo performances is also known the world over for the “festival” feel that is cultivated throughout the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Vegas truly goes country & Western for 10 days and nights, and it all starts at the historic Thomas & Mack Center.

For ease of travel, rodeo fans have the option of utilizing the complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 24 sponsor hotel properties and Cowboy Christmas presented by Pro Fantasy Rodeo. Upon arrival, fans will be greeted with rodeo-themed areas extending both outside the arena and within the confines of the building.

Immediately upon stepping foot on the Thomas & Mack Center grounds, fans can experience the ProRodeo Zone powered by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and key partners. Live music, sponsor activations, dancing, meet and greets and more highlight this interactive area. At the center of it all is the widely popular Rodeo Live, created and produced by Cowboy Channel, delivering expert analysis, athlete spotlights, celebrity guests, and fan-driven engagement that fuels the anticipation leading up to each night’s performance. The show airs live each evening from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+.

As anticipation builds and fans begin to make their way into the Thomas & Mack Center, the StubHub Fan Zone is entered and enjoyed. The StubHub Fan Zone features more sponsor activations, the official ProRodeo and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailers, custom food and beverage options that have become a tradition and hospitality tables and areas that are perfect to meet friends and family pre and post rodeo.

Once inside the arena, more hospitality and fan activations are prevalent, including the 36,000-square foot Strip View Pavilion that is home to The Cowboy Channel Bar highlighted by a vast glass-enclosed balcony with stunning Strip views and seating. Also highlighting this area will be an all-encompassing exhibit detailing the amazing and enthralling 40-year history of the NFR in Las Vegas and the live in-arena broadcast of the rodeo each night on multiple state-of-the-art screens including a huge video board. Access to The Cowboy Channel Bar is available to all fans with a Wrangler NFR ticket for that evening’s performance.

Cowboy Corral is where the party starts and ends each night. Live music from up-and-coming country music stars, a huge bar and plenty of hospitality areas to sit and relax are available when fans aren’t kicking up their heels on the always packed dance floor. The live entertainment will include pre and post-event performances by The Reeves Brothers (Dec. 4-7), Gage Gardiner (Dec. 8-10) and Presley Barker (Dec. 11-13). Doors open at 4 pm with live music starting at 4:45 pm.

Cowboy Corral also will host the 4th Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Reception on Friday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. prior to the start of that night’s Wrangler NFR performance.

Adjacent to The Cowboy Corral is the Bull & Barrel Saloon featuring food and beverage and decorated by the NFR Hall of Champions that honors the best of the best in NFR history.

The entertainment will continue throughout the evening as fans begin to settle into their seats. Prior to each performance, there will be the singing of the National Anthem, followed by an opening act. The attention will then turn to the dirt, as the best contestants in the world test their skills and seek the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle, awarded to the world champions.

The Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2024, the event had a total attendance of 170,045 over the ten rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 369 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the 40th anniversary of the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.