Pack your best cowboy boots, biggest belt buckle, best looking cowboy hat, and join the cowboy craze that takes over Las Vegas the first week of December in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). The first NFR was held in Dallas, Texas in 1959. The event was first held in Las Vegas in 1985 when it moved from Oklahoma City.
Last year, over 170,000 rodeo fans attended the NFR at the Thomas and Mack Center located on the campus of the University of Las Vegas, at the corner of Tropicana and Swenson.
Ten Rounds in 2008: December 4th until December 13th
This event is the Super Bowl of pro rodeo for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA). The total money these cowboys and cowgirls can win over the ten days of rodeo competion is well over five million dollars.
Each of the ten rounds of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo includes seven events. These events include bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping. The top fifteen cowboys (and cowgirls in barrel racing) at the end of the regular rodeo season advance to the NFR and have a chance to win each round, as well as a shot at the average money at the end of all ten rounds. In the end, there are seven new world champions, as well as one all-around champion.
Related Events
Lots of country music going on this week in Las Vegas. Clay Walker, Brooks and Dunn, Sawyer Brown, Lee Greenwood, Gretchen Wilson, and Charlie Daniels will all help turn Las Vegas into the Country Music Capital of the World during the National Finals Rodeo.
On the way into the Thomas and Mack Center, allows a little extra time to enjoy The ProRodeo Zone. Visit the many booths of the national sponsors of pro rodeo in the tents just outside, including American Cowboy Coffee, or ride the mechanical bull at the Coors tent.
Inside, for all ticket holders, there is the Cowboy Corral located at the Cox Pavilion, attached to the Thomas and Mack Center. Live music each night, line dancing, and lots of barbeque. Another highlight is the Gene Autry exhibit which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Autry's birth last year.
Visit www.nfrexperience.com for all the daily events during the National Finals Rodeo. Remember, after a long night, Cowboy Up, and get out there for another round the next night.
Source: ProRodeo Sports News, November 7, 2008. www.prorodeo.com
