If you’re visiting Las Vegas this month, you’re in for a real treat because the rodeo is in town! That means it’s time to slip on those cowboy boots, dust off your belt buckle, and plop that cowboy hat on your head! But, to be more specific, it’s not just a rodeo that’s in town, it’s the rodeo, the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! Let Tahiti Village be your source and host for all things rodeo, and discover what you’ve been missing!
National Finals Rodeo (NFR) History
If you are attending this year’s NFR, then you will forever be a part of one of the greatest rodeos in history. Starting back in 1958, the NFR was established to showcase the nation’s top fifteen money-winners in each event, including calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, and team roping, all competing for the ultimate world champion title. Talk about a variety of events to get everyone in the crowd excited about a good old fashioned rodeo!
Throughout the history of the NFR, the locations have moved around the U.S., eventually ending up in fabulous Las Vegas! In the beginning, from 1959-1961, the NFR was held in Dallas. Following, it was Los Angeles’ turn to host this one of a kind event from 1962-1964. After the event took place in LA, Oklahoma City successfully bid to be the host of this rodeo event. After a couple of their successful venues brought in groundbreaking annual revenues, the NFR remained in the area through 1984.
Finally, the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, won the bid to become the new host for the rodeo and since 1985 the rodeo has continued to be held in Sin City at the Thomas & Mack Center. The NFR has become the biggest client to the venue, bringing in over 170,000 fans each year for the anticipated 10 day event. Not only is this event loved by many, but in 2001 Wrangler became the title sponsor for the National Finals Rodeo, giving it the name it deserves!
Now that we’re caught up on the history of the event, it’s time to get into the specifics of this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!
Everything You Need to Know About the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
2017 marks the 33rd year that the Wrangler NFR is being held in Las Vegas, and this is an event that you will not want to miss! It’s time to make your way out to the wild wild west for this premier rodeo, a 10 day event in the desert. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas or even heard stories about the city, you’ll know that every event held in the city is done to the fullest, and the NFR is no exception. Now it’s time to fully prepare for this 10 day event!
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When
This year’s NFR, the “Super Bowl” of rodeos is held on December 7-16, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. This timeframe creates the perfect window for you and your fellow rodeo lovers to plan a much needed trip to Sin City! Not only will you be able to enjoy the rodeo events, but you will also have plenty of time to explore the city during one of the less busy times for tourism. Catch a show on the Strip, enjoy an unforgettable meal, or simply explore the city and everything that makes this area great!
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Where
As the destination in Las Vegas for sports and entertainment, the 2017 NFR will be held at The Thomas & Mack Center. This venue not only hosts the NFR every year, but it is also home to UNLV athletic events, World Championship boxing, monster truck finals, and much more! Get your feel of one of the best venues in the area when you attend the 2017 NFR.
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Schedule of Events
Before the meat of the NFR begins on Thursday, December 7th, you will also see that the rodeo events officially kick off on Sunday, December 3rd, starting with the Miss Rodeo America Contestant Introductions. Following these days leading up to the first day of events, you can also catch the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Competition & Public Speaking, PRCA National Convention Registration & State of the Association, and the PRCA Trade Show & Silent Auction. December 7th marks the first day of the official schedule! The Wrangler NFR consists of 10 rounds starting on Thursday, and at the end of each event there are two champions. So, get your tickets today and don’t miss out on all the fun of the rodeo. You’ll also want to keep autograph sessions in mind while in town for the main events! The top 7 rodeo events that you can expect to see this year are:
>Bareback riding
>Steer wrestling
>Team roping
>Saddle bronc riding
>Tie-down roping
>Barrel racing
>Bull riding
Who
The 2017 Wrangler NFR Contestant Roster consists of over 100 skilled rodeo performers, looking to make the final cut of this years events. Some names include Sage Kimzey for bull riding, Tanner Aus for bareback riding, and Brody Cress for saddle bronc riding, just to name a few! Also, be on the lookout for some unforgettable opening acts as well as live performances before and after each night of the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!
Now that you have a better understanding of how one of the greatest rodeos came about and a brief overview of the events happening this year, it’s time to get out to Las Vegas for one of the biggest events in the desert! Looking for a place to stay? Look no further than Tahiti Village! With resort style rooms, you and your whole party will be nothing but comfortable while staying in Las Vegas.