South Point Equestrian Center – Las Vegas, NV – More than 400 Native American Athletes representing 75 different tribes from 11 regions all across the United States and Canada will be gathering in Las Vegas, Nevada at the South Point Equestrian Center to compete in the Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo, starting Tuesday, October 19 through Saturday, October 23.
There will be Major/Open, Junior, and Senior divisions at the INFR. Some of the athletes have competed in Junior events in the past and have worked their way through the ranks to now be competing in the Major/Open divisions at the Finals. It’s an exciting thing to see past Junior champions now competing as adults in the Open Division.
Contestants compete for over $1,000,000 in prize money and awards throughout the year, which culminates with the Indian National Finals Rodeo, where qualified contestants compete in the 8 major events (Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and now – Breakaway Roping). There were 75 Tribes represented at the 2018 event. The majority of the INFR members are also members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
“Our mission is to provide, promote and preserve the advancement of Professional Indian Rodeo by empowering families, youth and communities through positive role-modeling, educational opportunities, competition, culture, and tradition.”
– Indian National Finals Rodeo Mission Statement.
INFR 2021 Schedule
Monday, October 18
7:00 PM Back Number Ceremony Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, October 19
12:30 PM INFR – 1st Performance
6:30 PM INFR – 2nd Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Wednesday, October 20 Traditional Day/or Red for Missing women
9-10 AM Jr/Sr Pictures and Check-ins
10-11 AM Jr/Sr Back Number – Main Arena
12:30 PM INFR 1st Performance
6:30 PM INFR 2nd Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Thursday, October 21 “TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK”
9:00 AM Miss Indian Rodeo Traditional Presentations (Monterey Bay)
12:30 PM INFR – 1st Jr/Sr Performance
6:30 PM INFR Performance & Tour Champion Awards
Friday, October 22“Proud to Wear Purple” for Diabetes Awareness Day!!
8:00 AM Diabetes Awareness Walk (top of the Escalator by Main Area)
8:30 AM Miss Indian Rodeo Horsemanship Presentations (Main Arena)
12:30 PM INFR 2nd Jr/ Sr Performance
6:00 PM Miss Indian Rodeo Farewell, Coronation, & Awards
6:30 PM INFR Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Saturday, October 23 RED / White / Blue- “VETRANS DAY”
8:00 AM Classic Ropes present Jr. Roper Championships (alternate arena)
9:00 AM Church Service (Redwood Room)
11:00 AM INFR Consolation round and JR./SR. Rodeo World Championship Round
4:00 PM Hall of Fame Luncheon (Arena VIP Bar) *Tickets available for sale at the INFR Information Booth
6:30 PM INFR World Championship Round
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
2021 marks the 11th anniversary of using all Native Stock Contractors. And to date, former Junior athletes like Brenten Hall, are competing in the Major/Open divisions of the INFR. Hall started out as a Junior Roper at the INFR; but now will be competing as an adult in the Major/Open event as a Team Roper/Header. Hall has also qualified for the 2019 NFR (December 5-14 at the Las Vegas Thomas and Mack Center), having earned the 9th slot as a Team Roper/Header in that prestigious contest. Other professional rodeo notables competing in both the INFR and the NFR arenas this year, will be Coleman Proctor (Team Roping/Header), and Erich Rogers (Team Roping/Header).
The South Point Equestrian Center will be where all the action takes place, Oct 22-26. Tickets are on sale NOW. It’s the perfect venue, as guests will have the opportunity to see the rodeo up close, while seated comfortably in individual seats. Concessions are very accessible, and one could get a good start on Christmas shopping, at the South Point Exhibit Hall. The CLN team hopes to see you all at the 46th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada – October 19-23!
Navajo Nation & Rodeo
Rodeo has evolved into an essential aspect of Navajo culture. When listening or reading traditional stories, the horse has always been there, playing a spiritual role in Navajo ceremonies. With the Navajo Nation being as big as it is, and having many of our young men and women raise livestock, understand ranch work, and have horsemanship skills, it makes sense that rodeo is so prominent. One athlete that is sure to be at the INFR 2021 is the one and only Derrick Begay. Catch the short film below on his story of growing up in the Navajo Nation and becoming an elite PRCA athlete and World Champion.
On the Navajo Nation, rodeo is still rodeo. You can pull up and park your truck next to the rodeo arena. Most people back in, put down the tailgate, and sit in camping chairs in truck beds to watch the show. You can always expect to have great food and vendors set up nearby. And if you’re going to really experience a rodeo, make a weekend of it and explore the rest of the Navajo Nation, including the tribal parks like Monument Valley.
CKP Insurance Sponsors Various INFR Contestants
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