Las Vegas and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) will celebrate 40 years of their partnership Dec. 4 to 13.
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 $17.5 million purse.
To mark the anniversary, champions from 1985 have been invited for a tribute on opening night, said Tim Keener, president of Las Vegas Events, the NFR's official host, since 2023.
The rodeo has sold out 369 consecutive performances at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It had an attendance of 170,045 over the 10 rounds of competition in 2024.
"Tickets are passed down from generation to generation … This is the hardest ticket in town," Keener said. "We're sold out normally in June, July every year, and we hold back a handful of tickets in the upper level to go on sale for nonseason ticket holders to have an opportunity."
Las Vegas Events has tracked at least 118 individual country-themed and 29 viewing parties around town planned for the 10 days. Here are some of the highlights:
Cowboy Christmas
More than 375 exhibitors will be on hand for the free Cowboy Christmas, sponsored for the first time by Pro Fantasy Rodeo, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 to 13. The NFR's official gift show, spread over 500,000 square feet, will include live music and jewelry, Western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, art, crafts and home goods. At least five other gift shows will be held throughout the city during NFR.
For the second year, the Junior National Finals Rodeo will be in a tent near the convention center. In its 10th year, the rodeo will feature 725 of the top youth (19 years and younger) contestants.
Themed entertainment
The Fremont Street Experience will host the NFR's kickoff party, Downtown Hoedown, on Dec. 3 with free performances from Midland, Corey Kent, Josh Ross and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Rodney Carrington and Steve Trevino will join the Aces of Comedy lineup at the David Copperfield Theater throughout NFR week at MGM Grand.
Comedian Brian Regan will return to the Palazzo Theatre on Dec. 6, and comedian and social media star Matt Mathews will perform there on Dec. 7.
Country music icon Wynonna Judd will perform her hits at the Venetian Theatre Dec. 5 and 6. Photo Credit: Live Nation
Jeff Foxworthy will perform at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino at 9 p.m. Dec. 10.
Three-time Grammy winner Tim McGraw will headline at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 4, 6, 12 and 13. Brad Paisley will be at Encore Theater Dec. 4 and 5, and Gary Allan will follow him on the same stage Dec. 6 and 7.
Singer-songwriter-guitarist Ty Myers will perform at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan on Dec. 5.
Country music icon Wynonna Judd will perform her hits at the Venetian Theatre at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Singer, songwriter and actress Lainey Wilson brings her "Wildflowers and Wild Horses" show to T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 7.
Other hot spots
Award-winning country singer/songwriter Riley Green will perform Dec. 12 and 13 at Resorts World's newly renovated theater. Resorts World will also Rodeo World, a celebration of rodeo culture and entertainment with concerts, viewing parties, sponsor activations and rodeo cowboy meet-and-greets. It will also host a 10-day freestyle rodeo bullfighting tournament.
Riley Green will perform at Resorts World Theatre on Dec. 12 and 13. Photo Credit: J. Wright
The Colter Wall and Friends tour visits BleauLive Theater in Fontainebleau Las Vegas Dec. 12 and 13. Designer Rodeo Quincy will host a fashion show and brunch at the property at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Tickets are $150 (plus tax and fees) per person and include a three-course lunch and one hour of unlimited mimosas.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino will host free nightly live music at its Cabaret Theater as well as other NFR experiences and exclusive food and drink specials throughout the week.