Top 10 Things to do at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021

So, you’re headed to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021, get ready! Las Vegas literally transforms for the 10-day rodeo phenomenon that comes to town. Rodeo, gambling, shopping, and epic entertainment are in store for the 150,000+ people who will make their way to Sin City. Whether this is your first or fifteenth time to travel to the finals, this list will hopefully narrow down the immense options you have to choose from.

10. Sightseeing

There’s so much to do that involves rodeo and western culture, but you’re still in Vegas. Soak up a little bit of the Vegas experience by going by the Bellagio fountains. They’re beautiful and only take up about 20 minutes of your night. The Neon Museum, featuring preserved neon lights of Las Vegas’s past, is downtown but definitely worth the drive. While you’re at that end of the strip, don’t forget to take a walk down Fremont Street. The canopy of lights, street performers, and historic casinos are definitely a sight to be had.

9. Benny Binion’s World Famous Bucking Horse and Bull Sale

Benny Binion was an instrumental piece in bringing the WNFR to Las Vegas in 1985.  Binion’s sale is a great way to get some rodeo action early in the day. This is one of the most prestigious bucking horse sales in the country due to the fact that selections for the 2021 sale will be solely based on their performance in the arena and their potential in becoming future WNFR bucking horses and bulls. On Dec. 2nd and 3rd at the South Point Arena, the sale will feature the PRCA’s Permit Member of the Year Challenge. This challenge consists of the Top 5 PRCA Money Earners on their permit in all PRCA Rodeo Events in a two-round competition. For more information and tickets go to www.bennybinionsale.com

8. Junior World Finals

The Junior World Finals, presented by YETI, will host over 850 contestants in the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, which is housed in the Las Vegas Convention Center and takes place over 10 days of NFR in December. These young, rodeo athletes will compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes on their journey to claim an infamous Montana Silversmiths championship buckle. Taking place December 2-11, 2021 you will be able to catch kids ranging in age competing in nine different events all vying for a number one spot. You can find the full schedule here.

7. World Series of Team Roping

World Series Team Roping (WSTR) had its beginnings in 2006 and since then is now considered to be the second-largest paying equestrian event in the world ($10.5 million) behind the Breeder’s Cup World Championships. In fact, in years past, the WSTR Finale surpassed the payoff of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, awarding $10,535,000 in cold, hard CASH and another $250,000 in prizes to its winners. And it’s back after a long two years, in December, in Vegas, at the South Point Arena. YETI is a national sponsor of the WSTR (World Series of Team Roping) with the Finale taking place at the South Point Arena, December 4-11th, 2021.

6. Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship

Dec. 3rd-11th live at 1:30 pm daily, the World Resorts will host the Bullfighters Only Championship. The world’s top freestyle bullfighter faces off with the best bulls out there. Only one athlete can be crowned the 2021 BFO World Champion and claim his share of over $150,000 in prize money. Tickets are available here.

5. Ariat Rodeo Live

The Las Vegas Convention Center will host Rodeo Live during Cowboy Christmas. Every day you can go watch live entertainment with some of your favorite competitors and personalities. Cowboys for Conservation Calcutta, Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, and the NFR Tailgat Park will have free shows all ten days.

4. NFR After Dark

The party doesn’t stop after the rodeo ends. The MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone offers free live music and viewing parties every night. The Buckin’ Bash hosted by Justin Rumford also hosts a free party over at The Orleans starting at 9 p.m. But something you need to see at least once is an NFR buckle presentation. Every night you can go see the champions get their winning round buckles and then stay for the free concert at South Point Hotel.

3. Concerts

There are plenty of great concerts in town, and a large number of them are free. But you can’t miss some of the legends that will be performing during this year’s WNFR. Shania Twain at Planet Hollywood, George Strait at T-Mobile Arena, and Ned LeDoux at the Silverton are just a few of the artists that will be in Vegas during the rodeo. To see the full list and get more information go to nfrexperience.com. 

2. Cowboy Christmas

It wouldn’t be the NFR without a trip to Cowboy Christmas. The Las Vegas Convention Center will host the grand scale shopping event again this year. With over 300 exhibitors the shopping and entertainment options have something for everyone. Cowboy Christmas is free admission and is open all ten days from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. You can stop in for some food and drinks at the Coors Rodeo Saloon or get an autograph from your favorite athlete. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/.

1. Wrangler National Finals Performance

Number one on the list has to be attending an actual performance at the Thomas and Mack. Watching it on TV doesn’t do the production justice at all. Right from the start, the grand entry is thundering, the music and lights are brilliant, and the performances are top-notch.  It’s a rodeo that you won’t forget nor regret going to at least once.  Get your tickets and book your stay soon because they sell out fast!

You can look at the schedule of events for the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, get tickets, and keep up with your favorite athletes by downloading the NFR App. In addition, make sure to check out what our friends are doing at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, they should be your number one pick for where to stay during your trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021.