CLN on Scene: WNFR 2020 Day 1 Recap

This is the moment that we have all been waiting for! The first performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Arlington, Texas has come and gone and it is only just the beginning. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is excited to be able to give you the full day in review including the Round Winners for each performance, daily entertainment, and places you need to check out. Make sure to follow us on your favorite social media platform for all the behind the scenes fun.

Events Around Town

Junior World Finals – Presented by YETI

The Junior World Finals, presented by YETI, will be held in the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, inside the Cowtown Coliseum, Dec. 3rd-12th. Over 800 young contestants are competing in the same rodeo events that their professional counterparts are. You can catch the action every day from 7:30 a.m. — 2:45 p.m. in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Yesterday, we watched the qualifiers compete in Bull Riding and Bareback, today you can catch the qualifiers competing in saddle bronc and bull riding. You can go see the champions of tomorrow by going to www.nfrexperience.com/juniorworldfinals/ for the qualifier, schedule, and producer information. Tickets are available for $10 onsite.

Mutton Busting

Along with other changes we see taking place this year, the NFR has added mutton busting to the schedule, you can catch it every day from the 3rd to the 7th from 3 p.m. — 4 p.m. in the Cowtown Coliseum, located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Tickets are required and are available on site.

Hooey Fest

The party doesn’t stop after the rodeo ends. Our friends over at Hooey are offering free live music and viewing parties every night from 5:00 p.m. — 12 a.m in the Cowtown Coliseum. This event will be hosted by Anthony Lucia, featuring a 30-foot viewing screen. Arrive in style and grab a photo on the Cavender’s Turquoise Carpet. Once inside, hang out down on the arena dirt or enjoy multiple VIP viewing options.

Cowboy Christmas

It wouldn’t be the NFR without a trip to Cowboy Christmas.  With over 300 exhibitors the shopping and entertainment options have something for everyone. Cowboy Christmas is free admission and is open all ten days. There are several new programming elements this year on our Rodeo Live Stage presented by RMEF, so make sure to check out the schedule. Be sure to catch the many live performances by Flint Rasmussen in “Outside the Barrel” each day starting at noon and Cowboy Revival with host Shane Minor following at 1:15 p.m. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/.

NFR Round 1 Winners

Congratulations to all of the Round Winners for the first night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

Bareback Riding: Richmond Champion – 87.5

Steer Wrestling: Jesse Brown, Blake Knowles, and Dakota Eldridge – 3.9 seconds

Round 1 of the Steer Wrestling ends in a three-way tie with Jesse Brown, Blake Knowles, and Dakota Eldridge each stopping the clock at 3.9 seconds. A special shoutout and congratulations to Dakota’s sponsors, Resistol and Record Rack Feed.

Team Roping: Erich Rogers and Paden Bray – 4.8 seconds

Arizona cowboy Erich Rogers and Texas native Paden Bray take Round 1 of the Team Roping with a 4.8 second run.

Tie-Down Roping: Marty Yates – 7.1 seconds

Texas cowboy Marty Yates has a strong start at the WNFR 2020 in his home state with a 7.1-second run.

Saddle Bronc: Rusty Wright & Lefty Holman – 86

Rusty Wright set the bar for Round 1 of the Saddle Bronc Riding with 86 points on Rip Cord and Lefty Holman ties him with 86 points on Flirtacious.

Barrel Racing: Hailey Kinsel – 17.18 seconds

Hailey Kinsel secures the Round 1 win in the Barrel Racing with a 17.18 second run on her horse, Sister.

Bull Riding: Stetson Wright – 90.50

Stetson Wright knocks it out of the park at Globe Life Field with a 90.5 point ride on Silver Lining of Stockyards Pro Rodeo for the WNFR 2020 Round 1 win in the Bull Riding! A special shoutout and congratulations to Stetson’s sponsors, Resistol and Wrangler.

A huge congratulations to all the winners from last night’s performance, we can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table for night number two. We are happy to be able to provide you a full recap of the WNFR 2020. A huge thanks to all of our partners that play their own special role in this event and we just want everyone to know how much we appreciate them!