Nov 19, 2021
Vegas Cowboy and Cowgirl Central is the South Point
By Brian Hurlburt
Just how serious is the South Point Casino Las Vegas about rodeo and the country and Western lifestyle?
So serious that they operate VegasCowboyCentral.com that is dedicated to everything the legendary resort offers when it comes to all types of rodeo, bull riding, equestrian and so much more.
There are so many highlights and events that take place during the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® at South Point that they truly need an expansive digital presence to detail all of it for all of us fans.
Recently, we caught up with South Point general manager Ryan Growney to get his thoughts about the return of the Wrangler NFR to Las Vegas and why his resort embraces the lifestyle so wholeheartedly. Growney is under the leadership of owner Michael Gaughan, a member of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and as big a supporter of rodeo and equestrian as there is.
Hurly’s Hot Spots: What is the first thing that comes to your mind about the Wrangler NFR and the return to Las Vegas?
Ryan Growney: It’s really difficult to sum up the Wrangler NFR in a few sentences. That’s basically impossible, to tell you the truth. That’s how special it is, and how meaningful it is to have everyone coming back home in December.
HH: What makes NFR related events so special at South Point?
RG: I think the coolest thing about the NFR in Las Vegas is that the entire city embraces the western way of life for those two weeks. And what sets up apart at South Point is that we embrace the lifestyle more than just during those special two weeks. With our Arena and Equestrian Center and everything else we offer, South Point is VegasCowboyCentral.com, and we embrace the western way of life all year round.
HH: What are some of the events you are looking forward to in 2021 during the NFR?
RG: The South Point is a proud host of the PRCA Convention, PRCA Awards Dinner, PRCA Hall of Fame Gold Buckle Gala, Miss Rodeo America, Contestant Back Number Presentation, Benny Binion Bucking Horse and Bull Sale, the PRCA Permit Challenge Rodeo, Dodge Ram Viewing parties plus the nightly Montana Silversmith Go Round Buckle Presentations. The South Point is also home to the World Series of Team Roping.
HH: The investment into arena infrastructure at South Point in addition to horse stalls and more is legendary. What is the overall description of your arenas?
RG: The main arena is a 4,600 Seat Equestrian Arena with a 250′ x 125′ Show Floor with the Cinch Saloon overlooking everything.
Completed in 2014, the Priefert Pavilion’s two climate-controlled arena venues added more than 100,000 square feet.
Most recently, South Point teamed up with Farnam, a long-standing partner of the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, to officially open their brand new outdoor covered arena, the Farnam Arena. Totaling over 40,000-square feet, Farnam Arena becomes South Point’s fourth and largest competition venue in the equestrian complex.
Overall, there are 1,200 climate-controlled stalls available.
Hurly’s Hot Spots approves of all things South Point, so there you have it.
South Point is Vegas. Cowboy. Central.
And they have VegasCowboyCentral.com available to prove it 365 days per year.