Casper, Wyoming – As summer approaches, the rodeo community eagerly anticipates one of the most prestigious events in collegiate rodeo: the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). Scheduled to take place from June 15-21, 2025, at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming, the CNFR showcases more than 400 collegiate cowboys and cowgirls nationwide. As a former CNFR competitor, I highly recommend making the trip to Casper to watch the action, whether you know someone competing or not. There’s no better way to enjoy a rodeo than in a fun town with lots of activities!
College National Finals Rodeo
June 15-21, 2025
Ford Wyoming Center
1 Events Dr. Casper, WY 82601
“Our contestants are upstanding kids. We haven’t had much negativity, which is a testament to what we bring to the town and the community. It’s the community that does it. Volunteers put this together, and when we come in June, we converge and make this place our home.”
Jim Brown
CNFR and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Commissioner
Schedule
Sunday, June 15th
- 10:00 a.m. – Cowboy Church Service
- Location: Fairgrounds
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Mercantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 12:00 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 1:00 p.m. – “Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway” – Matinee
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- Mutton Busting at Intermission
- 4:00 p.m. – “Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway” – Evening
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
Monday, June 16th
- 6:30 a.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 a.m. – Slack
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Mercantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
Tuesday, June 17th
- 6:30 a.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 a.m. – Slack
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Mercantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 5:30 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 p.m. – 1st Performance
- 1st Go-Round Ring Presentation after Steer Wrestling
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
Wednesday, June 18th
- 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Softball Tournament
- Location: Crossroads Park
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Merchantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 5:30 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 p.m. – 2nd Performance
- 2nd Go-Round Ring Presentation after Steer Wrestling
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
Thursday, June 19th
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Merchantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 5:30 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 p.m. – 3rd Performance
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- Ribbon Night at the Rodeo – Cancer Awareness
Friday, June 20th
- 8:00 a.m. – NIRA Coaches Breakfast
- Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center
- 9:00 a.m. – NIRA Alumni Reunion
- Location: Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Mercantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 3:30 p.m. – NIRA Alumni Reunion Hospitality Suite, Informational gathering
- Location: Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center
- 5:30 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 p.m. – 4th Performance
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
Saturday, June 21st
- 8:00 a.m. – Short-go leaders TV head shots
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center Summit Room
- 9:00-10:30 a.m. – Special Olympics Rodeo
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – The Mercantile Open
- Location: Wyo Sports Ranch
- 11:30 a.m. – Cinch Style Show
- Location: Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center
- 2:00 p.m. – Cowboy Church Service
- Location: Fairgrounds
- 5:30 p.m. – Tradeshow Opens
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
- 7:00 p.m. – Championship Round
- 3rd Go-Round Ring Presentation after Steer Wrestling
- Championship awards immediately following the rodeo
- Location: Ford Wyoming Center
“I didn’t even realize goat tying was an event until attending the College National Finals Rodeo. It is great seeing the sport of Rodeo happening at all ages and that women have more events to participate in.”
Jodi Erpelding
Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Your Night Doesn’t End When the Rodeo Does
Get ready for unforgettable nights at The Gaslight Social, where the energy never stops! The dust may settle on the rodeo, but your night in Casper is just beginning. You’re ready to unwind, to laugh with friends, and to feel the rhythm of incredible live music wash over you. That’s exactly what awaits you at The Gaslight Social in downtown Casper – a place many of our CLN friends and family already know and love for its vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable sounds.
Heart of Casper
Located in the heart of Casper, this hotspot combines the best of a lively bar, an electric party atmosphere, and an epic concert venue. Whether you’re here to sip expertly crafted cocktails, dance the night away, or catch your favorite band live, The Gaslight Social is your go-to spot for good vibes and great times.
Mingling & Music
With a sprawling space designed for mingling and music, The Gaslight Social boasts indoor and outdoor areas perfect for socializing under the stars or rocking out to the hottest live performances. Grab a drink, hit the dance floor, or relax by the fire pits—whatever your vibe, you’ll find it here.
Upcoming Live Music at The Gaslight Social
Cowboy Lifestyle Network and rodeo guests, get ready to hear some familiar sounds from Arizona artists you know and love!
$5 cover charge at the door
Chauncey Jones
- Wednesday, June 18 @ 10PM
- Thursday, June 19 @ 10PM
Lacey Rashea
- Friday, June 20 @ 10PM
- Saturday, June 21 @ 10PM
The Gaslight Social
314 W Midwest
Casper, WY 82601
307-337-1396
Visiting Casper
Beyond the competition, Casper, Wyoming, offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. When you’re done taking in a rodeo performance, hit the town to check out cool shops and restaurants! One of my must-stop stores is Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters in the heart of downtown. Arguably the most iconic building in all of Casper, it’s filled to the brim with cowboy boots – literally, they keep around 10,000 pairs of boots in stock!
Explore the Outdoors
If being outdoors is more your speed, the North Platte River is one of the best fly-fishing spots in the country. Running right through the heart of downtown, you won’t have to go far from the rodeo action to hook a trout! Casper Mountain is also a must-stop when you’re in town. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown you’ll find a dense forest with miles of beautiful trails to explore, including the hike to Bridle Trail at Rotary Park waterfall.
Experience CNFR
Experiencing the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, is truly special. Whether you’re cheering on the next big star in the arena or exploring the local sights, there’s something special about being part of it all. I guarantee you’ll leave with great memories and a real appreciation for the talent and tradition that make college rodeo so unique!
About the Author:
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
