Top 10 Things to do at the WNFR 2019

So, you’re headed to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo…get ready! Las Vegas literally transforms for the 10 day rodeo phenomenon that comes to town. Rodeo, gambling, shopping, and epic entertainment is in store for the 150,000+ people who will make their way to Sin City. Whether this is your first or fifteenth time to travel to the finals, this list will hopefully narrow down the immense options you have to choose from.

10. Sightseeing

There’s so much to do that involves rodeo and western culture, but you’re still in Vegas. Soak up a little bit of the Vegas experience by going by the Bellagio fountains. They’re beautiful and only take up about 20 minutes of your night. The Neon Museum, featuring preserved neon lights of Las Vegas’s past, is downtown but definitely worth the drive. While you’re at that end of the strip, don’t forget to take a walk down Fremont Street. The canopy of lights, street performers, and historic casinos are definitely a sight to be had.

9. Benny Binion’s World Famous Bucking Horse and Bull Sale

Benny Binion was an instrumental piece in bringing the WNFR to Las Vegas in 1985.  Binion’s sale is a great way to get some rodeo action early in the day. On Dec. 5th and 6th at the South Point Arena, the sale will feature the  PRCA’s Permit Member of the Year Challenge. This challenge consists of the Top 5 PRCA Money Earners on their permit in all PRCA Rodeo Events in a two round competition. For more information and tickets go to www.bennybinionsale.com

8. Junior World Finals

The Junior World Finals, presented by YETI, will be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center Dec. 5th-14th. Over 700 young contestants are competing in the same rodeo events that their professional counterparts are. The competition will heat up this year as there will be an all-around prize of a new trailer by RodeoRigs.com. You can go see the champions of tomorrow by going to www.nfrexperience.com/juniorworldfinals/ for the qualifier, schedule, and producer information.

7. World Series of Team Roping

The World Series of Team Roping, presented by Ariat, produces the largest team roping event in the world. Not only has the finale become the richest event in roping, but it has also been acknowledged as the second richest equestrian related event in the world. Catch the action Dec. 7th-15th at the South Point Arena.

6. Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship

Dec. 5th-14th live at 2pm daily, the Tropicana will host the Bullfighters Only Championship. The world’s top freestyle bullfighter face off with the best bulls out there. Only one athlete can be crowned the 2019 BFO World Champion and claim his share of over $150,000 in prize money. Tickets available at troplv.com/entertainment/rodeo-week

5. Rodeo Live Presented by RODEOHOUSTON

The Las Vegas Convention Center will host Rodeo Live during Cowboy Christmas. Daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can go watch live entertainment with some of your favorite competitors and personalities. Cowboys for Conservation Calcutta, Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, and Keepin’ It Country hosted by Andy Griggs will have free shows all ten days.

4. NFR After Dark

The party doesn’t stop after the rodeo ends. The MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone offers free live music and viewing parties every night. The Buckin’ Bash hosted by Justin Rumford also hosts a free party over at The Orleans starting at 9 p.m. But something you need to see at least once is an NFR buckle presentation. Every night you can go see the champions get their winning round buckles and then stay for the free concert at South Point Hotel.

3. Concerts

There are plenty of great concerts in town, and a large number of them are free. But you can’t miss some of the legends that will be performing during this year’s WNFR. Shania Twain at Planet Hollywood, George Strait at T-Mobile Arena, and Gary Allan at Hard Rock are just a few of the artists that will be in Vegas during the rodeo. To see the full list and get more information go to nfrexperience.com. 

2. Cowboy Christmas

It wouldn’t be the NFR without a trip to Cowboy Christmas. The Las Vegas Convention Center will host the grand scale shopping event again this year. With over 300 exhibitors the shopping and entertainment options have something for everyone. Cowboy Christmas is free admission and open all ten days from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. You can stop in for some food and drinks at the Coors Rodeo Saloon or get an autograph from your favorite athlete. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/.

1. Wrangler National Finals Performance

Number one on the list has to be attending the actual performance at the Thomas and Mack. Watching it on TV doesn’t do the production justice at all. Right from the start, the grand entry is thundering, the music and lights are brilliant, and the performances are top-notch.  It’s a rodeo that you won’t forget nor regret going to at least once.  Get your tickets soon because they sell out fast!

You can look at the schedule of events for the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, get tickets, and keep up with your favorite athletes by downloading the NFR App.