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Events for 2016 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas

Posted at 11:19 AM, Nov 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 00:45:26-05

The National Finals Rodeo is back for the 32nd year from Dec. 1 through 10 in Las Vegas. 

Each December, the top 15 contestants 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. Qualification is based on the 2016 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings.

They will be competing for $10 million in prize money this year. The NFR has paid out more than $127 million in prize money to NFR contestants and compensation to contractors over the last 31 years.

The rodeo, which has a total attendance of 170,966 in 2015, is taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center. More than 35 resort properties are expected to pick up the closed circuit feed of the rodeo.

The rodeo is not the only thing happening at the Thomas & Mack Center though.

NFR fans will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy before and after each day's events. The ProRodeo Zone will greet fans with PRCA sponsor-activation tents and live music. As fans move toward the entrance, they will pass through the NFR Fan Zone, an area that includes additional sponsor tents, the official PRCA and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailer, food and beverage options, video screens and tables for attendees to congregate.

The 'Shoe will feature interactive areas, the Walk of Champions, saddle displays and a 2,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed balcony with Strip views. The ‘Shoe will also be the site of CBS Sports Network’s rodeo pre-show and autograph sessions with rodeo legends.

Cowboy Corral (Cox Pavilion) will have live music, a huge bar and space to relax. Entertainers include Genevieve Allen (Dec. 1-3), Left of Centre (Dec. 4-6) and The Brit Stokes Band (Dec. 7-10).

The Corral will also feature a boar and food service and the Hall of Legends featuring tributes to NFR champions.

In addition, there will be a variety of events and special performances in the city during the rodeo, including Cowboy Christmas, the only official gift show and interactive experience associated with the rodeo.

Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center will feature just under 400 exhibitors and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1-10 in the South Halls of the convention center. Admission is free.

In addition to the exhibitors, Cowboy Christmas will also feature the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, Rodeo Live presented by RODEOHOUSTON, Coors Rodeo Saloon, NFR Social Arena and Great Wall of Rodeo presented by Calgary Stampede.

OTHER EVENTS/PERFORMANCES/SPECIALS:

CHICKS 'N' CHAPS AT CRAZY HORSE III
Chicks 'n' Chaps, a rodeo celebration complete with Jack Daniels, Bud Beer and Jack Fire shot specials, takes place Dec. 1-10 at Crazy Horse III.

THE COSMOPOLITAN
Entertainment
Dec. 2 -- Alabama with special guest Levon
Dec. 5 -- Chase Rice and special guest Levon
Dec. 7 -- Lady Antebellum with special guest Levon
Dec. 8 -- Dwight Yoakam with special guest Midland
Dec. 9 -- Justin Moore

THE D LAS VEGAS
Meet and Greet Wright Family Bronco Riders
Starting December 2, guests can partake in daily meet-and-greet signings at the D Las Vegas with the Wright Family Bronco Riders, a family of rodeo stars sponsored by Downtown hotel and casino for the 2016 event. The Wright Brothers are dominating the 2016 Saddle Bronc World Standings, carrying world titles and gold buckle wins. Meet-and-greets will be located at Vue Bar daily from 3-4 p.m.

NFR Deals and Offerings
the D Las Vegas will be an official NFR “Get Tagged” sight all 10 nights of the event, accessed through the new Wrangler NFR Experience Mobile App. Once downloaded, fans have a chance to sign up for the “Get Tagged” promotion available on all platforms. The contest gives fans the chance collect entries into a “Prize Barn” by attending designated Wrangler NFR Experience events throughout the city during the 10 days of the event. Additionally, Club D players will be able to cash in on $25 free match play at any Club D blackjack, craps or roulette table inside the event center. Participants must present the official NFR certificate to receive offer.

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER
Viewing parties will be hosted every night, where guests can enjoy live entertainment under a 20,000 square-foot heated tent. Viewing parties will take place at DLVEC from 6-10 every evening, and Crown Royal models will greet guests from 9:30 -10 p.m. at DLVEC and from 10-11 p.m. at the D Las Vegas on Dec. 1-2 and 8-9.

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
The 30th annual Downtown Hoedown will begin at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Guests can celebrate the return of the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas with the official kick-off party featuring free concerts from top country music talent for all to enjoy at the popular downtown destination. This year’s lineup will feature headlining performances from Old Dominion and Sawyer Brown, along with additional performances from Craig Campbell, Aaron Watson, High Valley and Jackson Michelson on Fremont Street Experience’s three stages.

GOLDEN NUGGET
Entertainment
Dec. 1 -- Terri Clark
Dec. 2-3 -- Lynryd Skynyrd
Dec. 4 -- Tanya Tucker
Dec. 5 -- Brenda Lee
Dec. 6 -- Charlie Daniels Band
Dec. 7 -- 38 Special
Dec. 8 -- Wyonna & The Big Noise
Dec. 9 -- Trace Adkins

Beverage specials:
Coors or Coors Light for $5.50
Bucket of 5 beers for $27 featuring Coors and Coors Light
Hitch a Shot of Jack Daniel's or Jack Fire with Coors or Coors Light for $10
Shot and a Beer starting at $10 featuring Crown Royal, Crown Royal Apple, Jim Beam, Jim Beam Apple, Coors and Coors Light
Specialty cocktails from Jack Daniel's, Maker's 46, and Bacardi 8
Shots starting at $7 featuring Jim Beam and Jack Daniels

The salon and spa is also offering specials including a hot stone massage for $245 and Desert Recovery Facial for $245.

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
Food specials at the Hard Rock include a western-themed Rodeo Breakfast Buffet ($17.99) at Mr. Lucky's Cafe; pork belly tacos (44), short-rib enchiladas ($14), Mar y Tirra ($25) and Oaxacan chicken mole ($18) at Pink Taco; bourbon-glazed baby back ribs ($15), double cut Berkshire pork chops ($42) and a cowboy surf and turf ($75) at 35 Steaks + Martinis; beef stroganoff smothered biscuits ($14) at Goose island Pub; and various drink specials at all casino bars.

The Joint
Dec. 9-10 -- Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell

Vinyl
Dec. 2 -- Mark Wills
Dec. 3 -- Sam Riggs
Dec. 4-5 -- Thrillbilly Deluxe
Dec. 6 and 8 -- CJ Simmons
Dec. 7 -- American Icon - A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Dec. 9-10 -- Seth Turner and the High Desert Drifters

Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship
The Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship is taking place Dec. 7-10 on a 3.1-acre lot next to the Hard Rock. A beer garden and games will also be available. Tickets start at $25.

The 2016 Tuff Fest, presented by Cowgirl Tuff, will take over Vanity Nightclub from Dec. 1-10. Attendees can shop two of the top leading brands in the western industry, Cowgirl Tuff Company and B. Tuff Jeans. Tuff Fest will also offer autograph signings by Tuff team members such as Lisa Lockhart, Kaleb Drigger, Kollin VonAhn, Angie Meadors, Sherrylynn Johnson, Jana Bean and Lauren Underwood. Shoppers will also have a chance to win $1,000 cash and a $1,000 shopping spree daily. Drawings will take place every day at 6:30 p.m.

MANDALAY BAY
The Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show takes place Dec. 1-10 in the event center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check out the latest products, accessories and country-themed gifts. http://www.cowboymarketplace.vegas/

MGM GRAND
Entertainment
Dec. 1-10 -- Rodney Carrington
Dec. 9 -- Toby Keith
Dec. 10 -- Tim McGraw

Food/beverage specials:
CRUSH at MGM Grand is offering a 12-ounce charred New York sirloin with mashed potatoes, priced at $38. The restaurant will also offer a bourbon flight featuring 1-ounce pours of Angel's Envy, Jefferson's Very Small Batch, 4 Roses Single Batch and Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey, priced at $38.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand has created a special menu for NFR. Food items include buffalo blue cheese tater tots, smokey beef & red bean chili, braised beef short ribs, a petite cut filet mignon, bone-in ribeye steak, and brioche bread pudding. The Cowboy Cravings menu also features flights of Crown Royal, Bulleit and Jack Daniels and several beers. Available through Dec. 10.

THE ORLEANS
Cinch Boyd Chute-Out
The Boyd Gaming Chute-Out will welcome some some of the most recognizable faces in rodeo for an action-packed three-day event at the Orleans Arena. A total of 64 top ranked cowboys and cowgirls will compete in a series of events, including Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Past, current and future world champions have committed to compete! The Chute-Out provides unbeatable action at a family-friendly price.  http://www.boydgamingevents.com/chute-out-rodeo

Entertainment
Dec. 2-3 -- Josh Turner
Dec. 9-10 -- Kelsea Ballerini with special guest Cam

PARIS LAS VEGAS
Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas will celebrate with specials and all-day viewing parties.NFR fans can enjoy specials on whisky and indulge in tailgate-style barbecue classics, including: the guacamole burger, a 100 percent beef brisket burger, cooked over Budweiser beechwood and hardwood charcoal, topped with spicy pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo and crispy jalapeño peppers, priced at $10.95; the pulled pork sandwich, 12-hour beechwood smoked, bone-in pork shoulder, covered in BBQ sauce and a jalapeño slaw, priced at $11.95; and the meat & potatoes, prime rib cap steak served with crinkle cut garlic fries, lemon and black pepper baconnaise, served “picnic style” for sharing, priced at $25.95.  http://beerpark.com/

SLS LAS VEGAS
SLS Las Vegas will be featuring a variety of events including meet and greets, nightly live entertainment and food and beverage specials during NFR.

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
Rodeo prix-fixe menu: $125 per person
NFR-goers can ride on in to the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés and feast on a specially curated rodeo menu featuring Buffalo-style bison, Texas rib eye, grilled asparagus, Robuchon potatoes and more.
 
Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book
Meet and greet autograph signings with professional bull riders from 8 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Rocky McDonald and Beau Hill
Dec. 2 – Rocky McDonald and Beau Hill
Dec. 3 – Rocky McDonald and Beau Hill
 
The Foundry
Dec. 2 – Frankie Ballard
Dec. 3 – Christmas with Jennifer Nettles
 
The Sayers Club
Dec. 2 – Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide
Dec. 3 – Chuck Wicks
Dec. 9 – Justin Adams
Dec. 10 – Justin Adams

SOUTH POINT
Road to the Gold Buckle on Nov. 29
NFR competitors will tip their hats and walk the gold carpet at South Point from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Nov. 29 before the official welcome receptions.

Benny Binion's Bucking Horse and Bill Sale -- Dec. 1-3
The South Point Arena and Equestrian Center will host Benny Binion's Bucking Horse and Bull Sale, one of the premier events during the National Finals Rodeo, offering fans a weekend full of horse and bull shows, sales and riding action.

NFR Buckle Awards ceremonies -- Dec. 1-9
South Point Showroom will host the official NFR Buckle Award Ceremonies every night following the day’s competitions, Dec. 1-9 at 11 p.m. The nightly go-round winner in each of the seven NFR events will be presented with a prized buckle and review the night’s action with hosts Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley. This event is free and open to the public.

World Bronc Futurity – Friday, Dec. 2
The World Bronc Futurity Finale will take over the South Point Arena on Friday, Dec. 2. Spectators will witness the international event, featuring many of the top 50 Saddle Bronc competitors in the world as they ride the next generation of world champion bucking horses. Tickets are available for $18 and can be purchased here. https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/southpoint/EN/buy/browse?i%5B0%5D=12

South Point Western Gift Show – Dec. 1-11
Throughout National Finals Rodeo, South Point Exhibit Hall will showcase their annual Western Gift Show Dec. 1-11.

World Series of Team Roping -- Dec. 5-11
South Point Arena and Equestrian Center once again welcomes the World Series of Team Roping Dec. 5-11. Throughout the week, more than 3,000 roping contestants will gather at the Arena and Equestrian Center as the world’s best ropers compete for a share of the prize pool, valued at over $10 million. Free admission.

Entertainment
Sierra Black -- Nov. 30, Dec. 5-6
Aaron Watson -- Dec. 1-3
Cody Johnson -- Dec. 7-9
The Whiskey band -- Dec. 1-10

Special menu at Don Vito's
Throughout National Finals Rodeo, Don Vito’s will become a replica of Silverado Steak House and offer matching menu items, including an assortment of Italian classics and favorites among the Western lifestyle crowd with items ranging from appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and more. During National Finals Rodeo, the restaurant will open nightly at 5 p.m.

Garden Buffet
The buffet will observe normal hours but will not close between meal periods Dec. 5-10.

Special menu at Silverado Steak House
Throughout National Finals Rodeo, Silverado Steak House will offer a specialty menu, also featured at Don Vito’s, including an assortment of Italian classics and favorites among the Western lifestyle crowd with items ranging from appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and more. During National Finals Rodeo, the restaurant will be open nightly from 4:30 to 11 p.m.

In addition, several other eateries at South Point will be adjusting or extending their hours during NFR.

T-MOBILE ARENA
Dec. 2-3 -- George Strait

TREASURE ISLAND
Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que
Rising country stars LoCash will perform hit songs like “I Know Somebody” and “I Love This Life” live at Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que nightly, December 4-7, after the rodeo.

NFR riders will sign autographs at Gilleys at noon Dec. 12.

Drink specials:
$6 shots of Crown Royal, Crown Royal Vanilla, Crown Royal Apple, Bulleit Bourbon, Ketel One Vodka and Don Julio tequila.
$7 cocktails made with Crown Royal, Crown Royal Vanilla, Crown Royal Apple, Ketel One Vodka or Don Julio tequila.
$9 mules made with Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel or Ketel One Vodka and ginger beer.
5 for $25 buckets of Bud Light, Four Peaks, Hop Knot IPA or Sam Adams Boston Lager.
$5 14 oz. drafts of Bud Light, Shock Top, Four Peaks Kilt Lifter, Angry Orchard Apple Cider or Rebel IPA.

Specialty Drinks:
Desert Flower – Crown Royal Vanilla Whisky, guava nectar, hibiscus syrup. $8
The Mule – Choice of Ketel One Vodka or Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel and ginger beer. $9
Cowgirl Lemonade – Crown Royal Vanilla Whisky, raspberries and blackberries, agave nectar and lemonade. $8
Bite the Bulleit – Bulleit Bourbon, orange liqueur, splash of orange juice, splash of cranberry and simple syrup. $8
Texas Two Step Margarita – Don Julio tequila, St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur, agave nectar, sour mix and Sierra Mist. $8
The Gilleyup – Ketel One Vodka and Rockstar Energy Drink. $8

Here’s Your Sign
Blue Collar Comedy star Bill Engvall will bring a fresh stand-up show to the Treasure Island Theatre December 2 at 9 p.m. Tickets start at only $59.95 plus taxes and service fees and are available now at the TI Box Office, 702-894-7722.

Stay & Play
Room packages start at $69 Sunday through Thursday nights and include a free shuttle to and from the Thomas & Mack Center, live NFR TV satellite feed and a TI Gilley’s NFR Souvenir. Treasure Island will also offer its NFR guests 2-for-1 draft beers at Gilley’s, dinner at The Buffet and tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère; as well as 20 percent off services at Oleksandra Spa & Salon, Bill Engvall show tickets and admission to Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. To make reservations, call 800-944-7444.

WORLD MARKET CENTER
The Pavilion will host the Stetson Country Christmas Show Dec. 1-11. You'll find the newest and hottest products on the market, and classic gifts as well. Free admission.

WYNN LAS VEGAS 
La Cave Wine & Food Hideway will serve a 5-ounce Dragon Milk Stout flat iron steak with roasted fingerling potatoes, topped with a cherry bourbon sauce, priced at $24. A signature rodeo bourbon flight will feature 1-ounce pours of four ultra-premium bourbons: Roan’s Creek, Noah Mills, Jack Daniels Single Barrel and Eagle Rare, priced at $37.

If you would like to submit information to be included in this guide, send an email to webmaster@ktnv.com.