Hurly’s Hot Spots Part Two Features the Places to Be During the NFR 

By Brian Hurlburt

Here it is Mid-October, and you can almost feel the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® vibes in Vegas.

In addition to the several hundred thousand fans that are prepping for a Vegas rodeo trip descend in December, the Vegas hospitality and country & Western experts are putting the finishing touches on hundreds of fan activations, events, watch parties, shopping extravaganzas, concerts, autograph sessions, Western competitions besides the NFR, and so much more.

This October edition of Hurly’s Hot Spots—following Part One in September—brings you even more places to be and be seen during the best 10 days and nights on the international rodeo schedule.

As most NFR fans know, our featured NFR Las Vegas resort partners always roll out the VIP dirt carpet and treat you right. Plus, each of the locations offers watch parties and official shuttles to and from the Thomas & Mack Center.

As I also wrote last time, Let’s Ride!

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Is Minutes from the NFR Action

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is the closest resort to the Thomas & Mack Center, and offers a long list of NFR activations. The resort also has special NFR room deals. Check out all things Virgin NFR here: https://virginhotelslv.com/nfr/

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will host free, nightly Rodeo watch parties inside 24 Oxford from Dec. 5 – 14. Sponsored by Rock & Roll Denim, this year’s watch parties will feature the return of the Calcutta by Casamigos, a Hat Bar by Parker Thomas and an evening hosted by Western lifestyle influencer Shaley Ham (@westdesperado). 

Every watch party will include special giveaways and prizes, including a chance to be styled and dressed by Shaley Ham, hats signed by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas entertainment headliners, tickets to the Rodeo and a future stay at next year’s finals. The intimate venue will also host special nightly after parties with free, live entertainment from notable country stars including Raelynn and Caylee Hammack. Select evenings will also include a hosted bar by Casamigos and Crown Royal.

Doors open at 4pm and the live feed will begin at 5:45pm each night. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP for these shows in advance.

2024 Rodeo After Party Entertainment Lineup by Rock and Roll Denim at 24 Oxford:

Thursday, Dec. 5
Hudson Westbrook followed by Raelynn

Friday, Dec. 6
Caylee Hammack

Saturday, Dec. 7
Love & Theft

Friday, Dec. 13
Vincent Mason

Saturday, Dec. 14
Chase Wright

Hats by Parker Thomas at 24 Oxford

From Dec. 5 – 14, renowned luxury hat maker, Park Thomas, will have a pop-up hat bar at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to handcraft custom headwear for rodeo fans, hotel guests and visitors. Shoppers can snag some of the most sought-after Western hats daily from 4pm – 11pm.

The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas NFR Entertainment

Inside The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, country music fans can catch some of today’s hottest stars including Midland, Shaboozey, Ryan Bingham and Charley Crockett. Tickets can be purchased online.

Friday, Dec. 6
Midland with Tanya Tucker

Saturday, Dec. 7
Shaboozey 

Sunday, Dec. 8
Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen 

Saturday, Dec. 14
Charley Crockett

Cowgirls & Cocktails Upside Down Tea Edition

On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11am – 3pm, Cowgirls & Cocktails will host a special edition of its networking event during the Upside Down Tea Party inside The Shag Room.  The group aims to build a longer table instead of a taller fence for women in the Western and agriculture industries. 

Fan Favorite Silverton is Back After Major, Exciting Renovation

The Silverton Casino Lodge is back as an official NFR sponsor after completing a multi-million-dollar renovation, and they will have many different fan activations throughout the 10 days and nights of the 2024 NFR.  All Silverton NFR info can be found here: https://silvertoncasino.com/event/nfr/

The Silverton opened its guestrooms following a $40 million renovation in late 2023 that also included new casino carpet, slot and video poker upgrades and refreshes to restaurant menus.

The renovated hotel has 300 “cowboy-glam” guestrooms and suites including three distinct “design stories,” each with its own curated style and decor.

Free Nightly Viewing & After Parties at Veil Pavilion

The well-known viewing and after parties at the Silverton are held in the Veil Pavilion. They are open to all ages and feature raffle prizes, giveaways, food and drink specials, and more, plus the official in-arena Thomas & Mack Center video feed.

NFR Room Package with Tickets

In addition to rooms at the Silverton, the resort’s NFR package can include two National Finals Rodeo tickets. The package also includes hassle-free transportation to and from the Thomas & Mack Center, ensuring you arrive in style and comfort.

The Silverton execs invite you to “not miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the National Finals Rodeo like never before. Book your package today and let Silverton be your home base during this exciting event.” Your rodeo adventure starts here—Call 702.829.7146 and mention Rodeo Package to book today.

More info here: https://silvertoncasino.com/packages/nfr-package/

Special NFR 3-Course Menu at Twin Creeks

Twin Creeks at Silverton is an award-winning steakhouse serving 100% Black Angus beef and offers NFR Specials from Dec. 5 – 14. This menu package is $95 per person.

Appetizer
Buffalo Wedge Salad
Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Crispy Chicken Skins, Pickled Shaved Celery & Carrots

Entrée
28 oz. Porterhouse Steak
Cowboy Butter, Twice Baked Potato, Orange-Honey Glazed Carrots

Dessert
“Coffee n Donuts”
Glazed Donut Bread Pudding, Coffee Crunch Ice Cream 

Rodeo Round Up with 107.9 Rodeo Radio

Join 107.9 Rodeo Radio from 7pm to 9pm for the Rodeo Round Up, a thrilling event that will have you on the edge of your seat. Visit the Silverton official NFR link for details. The event is nightly after the viewing and live entertainment starts directly after the rodeo ends. On Dec. 14 and 15, live entertainment starts at approximately 9pm.

Live Silverton Entertainment:
Ned Ledoux, Dec. 5 & 6
Gary Mule Deer, Dec. 7 
Sam Riddle, Dec. 8 & 9
American Thunder, Dec. 10
Toby, the Toby Keith Tribute, Dec. 11
Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Best of the West Ball, Dec. 12
Josh Ward, Dec. 13

Sammy Steele, Dec. 14

Rio Las Vegas Goes Big with Round Up 

The newly renovated Rio Las Vegas loves country & Western and the Wrangler NFR. There is so much going on in 2024 at the Rio that it would fill this whole blog and MORE. But here are some highlights, and then hit the official Rio Round Up NFR 2024 Link for ALL details and updates.
https://www.riolasvegas.com/experiences/nfr-comes-to-rio

NFR Watch Party presented by Stetson

Hosted by world-famous Matt Merritt, with special celebrity guest hosts nightly. The Rio Watch Party—like all official NFR watch parties—features the live In-arena feed direct from the world-famous Thomas & Mack Center including announcers and all the excitement of being there. Prizes, giveaways, fun & entertainment begin at 5pm. nightly at the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor.

Rio Live Music Series

Sing along and dance to the high-energy performances of Harry Luge and special guest artists at Rio’s live entertainment series. 

Thursday, Dec. 5:
Western Fusion (2pm – 4:30pm)
Left of Centre (8:30pm – 12am)

Friday, Dec. 6:
Western Fusion (2pm – 4:30pm)
Western Fusion (8:30pm – 12am)

Saturday, Dec. 7
Nathan Dean (2pm – 4:30pm) and (8:30pm – 12am)

Sunday, Dec. 8
Western Fusion (2pm – 4:30pm)
Marble Heart (8:30pm – 12am)

Monday, Dec. 9
Marble Heart (2pm – 4:30pm)
Lacey Rashea (8:30pm – 12am)

Tuesday, Dec. 10
Lacey Rashea (2pm – 4:30pm)
Chauncey Jones (8:30pm – 12am)

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Chauncey Jones (2pm – 4:30pm)
Josh Roy (8:30pm – 12am)

Thursday, Dec. 12
Josh Roy (2pm – 4:30pm)
Shari Rowe (8:30pm – 12am)

Friday, Dec. 13
Drew Cooper (2pm – 4:30pm)
Left of Centre (8:30pm – 12am)

Saturday, Dec. 14
Hollywood Don Yates (2pm – 4:30pm)
Harry Luge (8:30pm – 12am)

Stetson Country Christmas

Another huge Rio event is the Stetson Country Christmas Western Shopping Wonderland with hundreds of Western lifestyle exhibitors with free admission and parking from 9am to 5pm daily.

The Masters Nevada Roping at the Rio

Truck & Trailer Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, and Tie-down Calf Roping. More than $500,000 in cash and prizes. Dec. 5-14, 2024. Enter and/or watch this fun and exciting competition.

 SCHEDULE

• 12/5:  Breakaway – Masters Open Elite Invitational
• 12/6: Breakaway – Masters Elite Youth Invitational
• 12/7: Tie Down Roping – Masters Over 40, Open & Youth
• 12/8: Team Roping – Masters Ladies and Youth
• 12/9: Team Roping – #11.5 & #10.5 Masters High Roller
• 12/10: Team Roping – #9.5 Masters Truck & Trailer Roping
• 12/11: Team Roping – #10.5 & #8.5 Vegas Championships
• 12/12: Team Roping – #9.5 & #7.5 Vegas Championships
• 12/13: Team Roping – #8.5 Trailer Roping Vegas Championships
• 12/14: Team Roping – #7 Buckle Roping & #6 Buckle Roping

 Visit http://www.masterstourllc.com for more details.

Downtown Is Always a Place to Be

Downtown Grand

The Downtown Grand loves the NFR and fans, and features an official watch party with food and beverage deals. Also, pick up your official NFR 2024 commemorative Downtown Grand $5 casino chip while in Downtown Vegas.

Downtown Events Center

Gary Leffew’s Buckaroo Ball is definitely on the short list of things to do. The Ball is at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Dec. 5 – 14. Doors open at 5 pm.

Guests can email Kristine.Ramos@dlvec.com to reserve their spot at the Buckaroo Ball with the size of their party, the day they would like to attend, and their first and last name to have on the reservation.

Visit the official Buckaroo Ball website to view the official Live Music lineup that will be announced soon. https://dlvec.com/event/garyleffewsbuckarooball/

The Plaza Embraces NFR on Every Level

The Plaza is proud to continue the Western legacy in downtown Las Vegas and is again an official hotel sponsor of the NFR plus numerous professional rodeo events in the CORE Arena. Events in the CORE Arena are free and run Dec. 2 – 13.  There are also special NFR room rates available at the Plaza and shuttles to and from the Thomas & Mack Center.

All info is at the official Plaza NFR link at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/nfr/

Professional rodeo events at the CORE Arena include:

CRSNC Southwest Regional Super Ranch Sort – Dec. 2-4
Patriot 3D pole bending and 4D barrel race – Dec. 5-7
Hooey Junior Patriot – Dec. 8-14
Rope for the Crown Breakaway – Dec. 6-8
Junior Rope for the Crown Breakaway – Dec. 9-10
Las Vegas Stars Tie-Down & Breakaway– Dec. 9-11

The CORE Arena offers covered and uncovered equine stalls, including the largest stalls in the city. Coupled with 24-hour onsite security, the Plaza makes it easy for rodeo participants and enthusiasts to “kiss their horses goodnight,” knowing their animals will be safe while they enjoy their evening just steps away playing on the casino floor or eating a delicious steak dinner at Oscar’s steakhouse.

Also, the free Downtown Christmas Expo is a curated Western wear shopping event that returns to the Plaza’s convention center, Dec. 5-16 and runs from 9am to 4:30pm. The event features a diverse array of apparel and accessory designers, artisans, jewelers, and Western couture. With dozens of Western industry vendors, including its top makers and trend setters, the expo showcases exclusive looks and products. As a special treat for younger attendees, Santa Claus will again be at the Downtown Christmas Expo daily from noon to 2pm.

Other Plaza rodeo related events include RopeSmart Rope for The World Dummy Roping a free event that will be held in the entry hall of the Plaza’s third floor convention space, Dec. 12-14. And each night inside the Plaza’s showroom, NFR enthusiasts can attend a free NFR watch party, sponsored by American Hat. The family-friendly watch party starts at 5:30pm (doors open at 5pm) and will offer nightly prizes and giveaways as well as special guest appearances.

After the evening’s rodeo events conclude, guests can enjoy beer, craft cocktails, and live country rock bands at The Sand Dollar Downtown. The full lineup of country music acts performing nightly is online. There is no cover for the shows, and guests must be 21 years or older.

NFR at The STRAT

The STRAT is a perfect cowboy and cowgirl destination, and an official NFR sponsor with shuttles to and from the Thomas & Mack Center. Room deals and special events highlight The STRAT NFR activations. 

Check out everything at https://thestrat.com/entertainment/featured/nfr

Exclusive NFR room package includes the following: 

• 25% OFF room rates
• Complimentary NFR viewing is available every night at The STRAT, December 5-14
• Complimentary Tower admission for 2
• Early VIP check-in
• FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival
• Book online now, or call 1-800-998-6937 and mention code NFR24

The Pink Party in the Tower on Tuesday, December 9 from 9pm-Midnight is complimentary admission when you show your NFR ticket stub. The Strat Tower offers epic views and excitement plus bars and restaurants.

So, there you go. Your NFR calendar should be filled with our ideas from Hurly’s Hot Spots. Now start (or finish) your planning!