When Vegas Goes Country
Where Las Vegas|December 2019
Known as the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is one of Las Vegas’ largest—and richest—events, with a total purse of $10 million. This season-ending championship for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association consists of 10 rounds, one on each consecutive day. Here’s how to rope in all the fun even if you never set foot in the arena.
Jennifer McKee
When Vegas Goes Country

While tickets can be hard to come by if you’re not a previous ticket holder, you can buy a Mad Dash 30 ticket: purchase a ticket to a sold-out NFR round and find a seat in the balcony; if the reserved ticket holder arrives, you may move to another empty seat. Those unable to locate an unfilled seat after 30 minutes can either watch the event on the Thomas & Mack Center concourse or get a full refund.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the action : special simulcasts, performances by the top names in country music, shopping extravaganzas and after-hours parties. Pull on those cowboy boots and follow us for the highlights.

Kicking off NFR season in style is Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Hoedown—now in its 33rd year—where performers take the Main, First and Third street stages twice each on Dec. 4 (4:30-11 pm). The lineup includes Jackson Michelson, Gabby Barrett, David Lee Murphy, Filmore, Dylan Scott and Rodney Atkins.

At your downtown NFR headquarters from Dec. 5-13, the Golden Nugget’s entertainment doesn’t quit; catch the Charlie Daniels Band, Terri Clark, Ronnie Milsap, Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, among other top names. Don’t forget to make reservations to dine at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse.

If it’s a free viewing party you’re after, point your spurs toward the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. Watch the action from 6 pm on Dec. 5-14 in climate-controlled tents on large screens, with food and drink specials and nightly entertainment.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of Where Las Vegas.

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This story is from the December 2019 edition of Where Las Vegas.

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When Vegas Goes Country
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