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 44th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo, starting Tuesday, October 22 and on through Saturday, October 26.
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.
2019 is promising to be a year of “Firsts” for the INFR.
“We’d love to have as many spectators be there to witness this year’s finals. For the first time ever, through our PBR media partners, we will be live on RIDE PASS”, stated INFR President Bo Vocu.
| Tuesday, OCT 22 | INFR | 1st Perf | 12:30 pm PT |
| Tuesday, OCT 22 | INFR | 2nd Perf | 6:30 pm PT |
| Wednesday, OCT 23 | INFR | 3rd Perf | 12:30 pm PT |
| Wednesday, OCT 23 | INFR | 4th Perf | 6:30 pm PT |
| Thursday, OCT 24 | INFR JR/SR | 1st Perf | 12:30 pm PT |
| Thursday, OCT 24 | INFR | 5th Perf | 6:30 pm PT |
| Friday, OCT 25 | INFR JR/SR | 2nd Perf | 12:30 pm PT |
| Friday, OCT 25 | INFR | 6th Perf | 6:30 pm PT |
| Saturday, OCT 26 | INFR JR/SR | Championship Perf | 11:30 am PT |
| Saturday, OCT 26 | INFR | World Championship Perf | 6:30 pm PT |
He continued by adding, “Also, for the first time ever, RIDE TV will air the World Championship Perf/ Round on Saturday. We’ve worked hard to come to this point.” – Bo Vocu, INFR President.
2019 marks the tenth 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 staff hope to see you all at the 44th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada – October 22-26!!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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