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 return of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo? 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. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 14.

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 The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. 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 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. Returning this year in the Zone is The NFR Pre-Show presented by Teton Ridge. This informative and entertaining show will get rodeo fans ready for the NFR performance each night from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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, The Cowboy Channel will host the NFR Pre-Show nightly starting at 5 p.m. and the NFR Post-Show immediately following the end of the performance each night. The biggest stars in rodeo make appearances and you never know who you will see—or meet.

Also highlighting this area will be an all-encompassing exhibit detailing the amazing and enthralling 38-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.

The 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 Old Hickory (Dec. 5-7), Josh Weathers (Dec. 8-11) and Justin Andrews and Neon Nights (Dec. 12-14). Doors open at 4 pm with live music starting at 4:45 pm.

Cowboy Corral also will host the 3rd Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Reception on Friday, Dec. 6 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 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 2023, the event had a total attendance of 157,580 over the nine fully-attended rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 359 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, 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.