NFR

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in rodeo competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the Jack Daniel’s World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR.

Rodeo enthusiasts come from all over to attend NFR. In 2006, the event had a total attendance of 175,649 over the 10 days of competition. The Wrangler NFR has sold out more than 200 consecutive performances. This year the event will start on Thursday December 6th and culminate on the following Saturday December 15th at the Thomas & Mack Center. This is the 23rd anniversary for Las Vegas as the host to the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo.

During the 10 days of competition, the Wrangler NFR transforms the look and feel of the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Each year, thousands of rodeo enthusiasts decked out in Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, and Resistol hats fill hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping malls, and showrooms. In addition, hotel marquees are splashed with the names of the brightest stars in country music.

Contestants have a lot of incentive to bring their best game to the competition. The prize money for the participants this year will be $5.5 million. In fact, the total purse has grown each year that Las Vegas has hosted the Wrangler NFR. In 1985, the purse was just over $1.8 million.