Cowboy Grit Meets Vegas Lights: Thank You to Rio Round-Up Community

You came for the rodeo, you stayed for the music, and you left with memories that only happen when the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo hits Rio Las Vegas. Thank you for sharing your time with us! Whether you were kicking back in total comfort for the Wrangler NFR action or leading the charge on the dance floor with the hottest country artists, you were the reason Rio Round-Up became the legendary center of Sin City. We’re so grateful for the energy you brought every night of this getaway. If you felt that connection and loved the exclusive vibe we built together, please show us that love one more time by voting for Rio Round-Up in the Wrangler NFR Follow-Up Survey, it truly means the world to the whole crew.

Legendary Nights, Worry-Free Vibes

We know the Vegas hustle can wear even the toughest cowboy down, which is why we turned Rio Round-Up into the ultimate escape, a place where the seats were plenty, the entry was free, and the headache of city traffic disappeared with complimentary parking. Even when the Thomas & Mack was sold out, you didn’t miss a single heartbeat of the dirt; you soaked in every second of the action on our massive 24-foot screens, you felt the thundering hooves through our incredible sound system, and shared the laughs with Matt Merritt in a room full of your own kind. Whether you were fueling up on good eats or watching your kids light up in the arcade, you were exactly where you belonged: right in the center of the hottest party in Vegas. From the quality line-up of artists from Ricochet and Mae Estes to the high-octane energy of Hollywood Don Yates, the Neon Prophets, Gunnar Latham, Clay Aery, the nostalgic Nashville 90s Tribute, and many more, the dance floor stayed alive for all ages. You proved that the best seat in town isn’t always in the arena, it’s right here with the community, and we can’t wait to do it all again with you next year.

Photos Courtesy of Cowboy Lifestyle Network

A Reborn Legend: Your Home Base for the Wrangler NFR Legacy

You came to Las Vegas to witness the world’s toughest athletes, but when the dust settled, you deserved to step into a world of total comfort and renewed energy. We hope you discovered the revitalized soul of Rio Las Vegas, the city’s legendary all-suites icon, now completely reborn under new management to perfectly match your sense of lifestyle and class. From the peace of the 1,500 refurbished suites in the Ipanema Tower to the vibrant connection of the new lounges and restaurants, Rio Las Vegas created a secure sanctuary where the Wrangler NFR community finally feels at home. This isn’t just a hotel anymore; it’s a deserving home base for your Wrangler NFR legacy, and we hope you felt that spirit in every moment of your stay.

The Stetson Country Christmas Experience

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you find a gift that actually means something, and we hope you found plenty of that Western spirit at Stetson Country Christmas this year. Rio Las Vegas was your exclusive, free-entry wonderland, filled with hundreds of curated vendors so you could find the treasures that truly resonate with the cowboy lifestyle. From stunning apparel to authentic home furnishings, this was your place to complete your Christmas list with gifts that carry a story. We hope you felt the heart of the West in every aisle and that those unique finds make your holiday season legendary.

“Where the Real Cowboys & Cowgirls come to shop.”

-Stetson Country Christmas 

Gratitude & The Road Ahead

Looking back, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us, because while the dust has settled, the memories of Rio Round-Up are just getting started. We partnered with Rio Las Vegas and our dedicated sponsors with one goal in mind: to build a home for the cowboy community in the heart of the Vegas lights. We worked tirelessly to make sure you felt right at home with a top-tier watch party and a dance floor that never quit, but it was your energy that turned that space into a family. To help us spread the word and become the undisputed #1 spot in Sin City, please take a moment to vote for the Rio Round-Up in the Wrangler NFR Follow-Up Survey. It’s the best way to show your support for the lifestyle we love, and we’re already counting down the days until we see you next year!

Photos Courtesy of Cowboy Lifestyle Network

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music.

For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys.

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI.

Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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