When the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) rolls into Las Vegas this December, the cowboy lifestyle doesn’t take a backseat; it claims center stage under the neon lights. The grit of the arena meets the glitz of the Strip, where boots and belt buckles shine just as brightly as the marquees. This year, Cheyenne, Wyoming, is bringing its own brand of Western spirit to Vegas with a one-of-a-kind experience at Rio Hotel & Casino.
This year during NFR, Visit Cheyenne is bringing an immersive high-tech experience to the Rio Round-Up NFR Watch Party in partnership with rodeo powerhouse Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD). Integrating a longstanding tradition with innovation, the Official VR App of Cheyenne Frontier Days simulates the “Daddy of ‘Em All” from a first-person point of view through virtual reality (VR). While NFR might not be your first rodeo, we guarantee it’ll be the first time you experience a rodeo this way.
Throughout the week, visitors to the watch party can swap their cowboy hat for a Meta Quest headset to explore the virtual world themselves at the Visit Cheyenne booth. Get a front row seat to the Wild Horse Race, ride into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena with Miss Frontier or help a bareback rider in the famous Cheyenne chutes; the headset experience puts you in the thick of the action at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration.
While Cheyenne is most widely known for its rich Western heritage, it has recently grown into a technology hub, too. Several major data centers, including Facebook’s and Instagram’s parent company Meta, have popped up on the plains surrounding the Wyoming community. As these well-known tech giants integrate into the local economy, more opportunities for innovation arise.
“Our Western roots run deep, and the frontier has always been a place of ingenuity and exploration,” says Jim Walter, interim president/CEO of Visit Cheyenne. “This VR experience is an incredible way to immerse yourself in Cheyenne and see behind the scenes at CFD. There’s no cooler way to share our destination and get people planning for a trip in July.”
In fact, at the Visit Cheyenne booth, folks can sign up to experience the real deal—for free! Visit Cheyenne is sponsoring a VIP trip to the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days in July 2026. Winners snag two (2) VIP passes to the July 17th concert, two (2) VIP Passes to the July 18th rodeo, two (2) nights at a Cheyenne hotel and a $1,750 Visa Gift Card to cover airfare, meals, and shopping.
Sweepstakes winner or not, everyone is welcome to try out the VR version. Creative agency West Edge originally partnered with CFD to develop the VR app, which is updated with new features and information every year. The Cheyenne-based firm has created a number of interactive platforms with Visit Cheyenne and CFD over the last decade, with more currently in the works.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: to transform spectators into participants. What better way to capture the excitement in the heart of rodeo country than through an exclusive, first-person look behind the chutes? If you are headed to NFR this year, make a plan to stop by the watch party at Rio Hotel & Casino between December 4-13 and slip on a headset for a truly unique rodeo experience.
Proudly Presented by Visit Cheyenne!
Cheyenne is more than just its Wild West reputation, it’s a city brimming with charm, culture, and adventure. A thriving culinary scene keeps friends and families well-fed as they explore shop-lined streets, while art and history bring the city to life through museums and stunning botanical gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike can enjoy countless recreational opportunities, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wyoming’s landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to refined experiences or the rugged beauty of the great outdoors, Cheyenne offers something for everyone. Start planning your next visit today!
Last Updated on 11/25/2025 by Andi Jaspersen
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