National Finals Rodeo to Stay in Las Vegas Through 2035

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will stay in Las Vegas through 2035, the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors have announced.

The NFR has taken place at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV every year since 1985 (with the exception of the 2020 event, which was moved to Arlington, Texas, due to Covid restrictions in Nevada). In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition in Las Vegas.

“For 38 years, the NFR has transformed our city and brought millions of rodeo fans to Las Vegas to share in the NFR Experience,” said Las Vegas Events President Tim Keener. “We have built a strong partnership with the PRCA and its contestants and feel that this new agreement will be beneficial to all parties. We are pleased to host this iconic event for an additional ten years.”

The NFR has sold out 360 consecutive performances and attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Qualification is based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings.

“For more than a year and a half, I have worked with the PRCA and their representatives toward this extension that demonstrates Las Vegas’ commitment to the NFR and the sport of rodeo,” said Las Vegas Events Chairman Bill McBeath. “We have made this a priority for our organization to secure the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo as a December fixture in our city. We appreciate all of the efforts of the PRCA to make this extension a reality.”

The 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will take place December 5–14 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The event has traditionally had an economic impact of around $180 million each year.

“This is a truly historic day for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association,” said PRCA Chief Executive Officer Tom Glause. “This extension will benefit all aspects of the PRCA, including our contestants, stock contractors, committees, contract personnel, and our fans. This commitment by Las Vegas preserves the momentum that we have established over the last 38 years.”