"Big ball's in Cowtown", theme song for Gary Leffew's Bucking Ball Dec. 7-16, Tropicana Las Vegas

Big Ball’s in Cowtown is coming to life Dec. 7-16 in Las Vegas at the Tropicana as the theme song for Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball.  The Texas Jamm Band will open up their set nightly with the song. Hoyle Nix wrote “Big Balls in Cowtown” in 1949 and first recorded and released it with West Texas Cowboys.  In 1966, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys established this song’s reputation. On November 2, 1993, George Strait released it with Asleep at the Wheel.
Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball with a Texas-size dancehall is the place, and the Tropicana is the hotel to stay at with rooms rates starting at $45 weekdays. Stay, drink and dance all in one place for ten nights of partying.
During the cattle drive era and again each December Las Vegas is known as Cowboy Town when the Superbowl of ProRodeo kicks off for straight ten days. The Texas Jamm Band featuring members of George Strait’s Ace In The Hole Band will take the stage nightly at Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball.
Industry Consultant Dan Stark confirmed, the uptempo song Big Ball’s in Cowtown is approved on the playlist for the Texas Jamm Band, it’s “the theme song for this party.”
The song lyrics of Big Ball’s in Cowtown depicts the partying crowd well. Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball will be held in the 24,000 sq. ft. Pavilion at the Tropicana. A 48′ by 48′ dance floor is being designed specifically for the ultimate fan experience. Opening act Scotty Alexandar performs at 9 p.m. followed by the Texas Jamm Band nightly. Right to the electric atmosphere this is the watering hole and dance party where the cowboys are gathering.

Photo provided by Mark Hall-Patton with the Clark County Museum


The early history of Las Vegas “the springs” was definitely a cowtown on the Old Spanish Trail.
As the song lyrics imply, “Big Ball’s in Cowtown, We’ll all go down, Big Ball’s in Cowtown, We’ll dance around, I’ll go to Cowtown, I’ll dance around, Board up your windows, The big boy’s in town is happening at the Tropicana.
The big boys including World Champion Bullrider Gary Leffew and his friends are partying at the Tropicana. No cover charge, free parking and of course the free nightly viewing party of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Doors open at 6 p.m. and include the only western vendor shopping experience with evening hours of operation. Come party, shop and dance the night away.

Photos provided by Mark Hall-Patton with the Clark County Museum

Gretchen Kirchmann

Gretchen Kirchmann is a veteran journalist covering a variety of events across the country each year. She founded Kirchmann Media Group in 2009 and works as a marketing consultant with a forte for the western lifestyle industry, festivals, fairs and rodeo world. Her work includes 15 national communication awards plus coverage of Nashville's CMT Awards and CMA Fanfest. A favorite assignment was attending the all cast reunion of the Dukes of Hazard in 2006 and 2007 at Dukesfest. In December you will find her covering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Miss Rodeo America pageant live from Las Vegas. Her favorite color is orange, favorite song "Rocky Top" and she loves to dance especially clogging.

Recent Posts

Barrett-Jackson 2025 takes on Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona – It’s time for the annual Barrett-Jackson 2025 car auction! The event officially kicks off on… Read More

4 days ago

The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide at Shoppers Supply

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time… Read More

1 week ago

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is back in 2025… Read More

2 weeks ago

Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals 2025

Great Falls, Montana - The Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals is kicking off on January… Read More

2 weeks ago

The San Diego Rodeo Rides Back into Town

San Diego, California - The San Diego Rodeo returns to Petco Park on January 10-12,… Read More

3 weeks ago

National Western Stock Show 2025

Denver, Colorado – The National Western Stock Show is a truly iconic and world-renowned annual event… Read More

3 weeks ago