C&I has the info for lodging, shopping, entertainment, and championship rodeo fun if you are headed to Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is ready for the Wrangler NFR experience. If you’re rolling the dice at the biggest rodeo and Western party of the year, keep these expert shopping and entertainment tips in mind. They’ll be your winning hand.
THE MAIN EVENT
Wrangler NFR action culminates each evening from December 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Themed nights on the rodeo’s performance schedule include Memorial Night on Dec. 4, Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Dec. 5, Military Night Dec. 7, and Wrangler National Patriot Night Dec. 10. Arena schedules kick off at 5:45 p.m. each evening. For more information and to dig deeper into any of the events in this section, bookmark NFRexperience.com.
7 HOTEL DESTINATIONS
All the greatest hotel options are gathered in one place online. Find out more about the official activities and appearances planned at each property by visiting NFRexperience.com/StayYourWay, and be sure to take advantage of the NFR shuttle making stops all along the way.
HARRAH’S — The official HQ for the NFR Saddle Bronc Riders.
MGM GRAND — The HQ for the NFR Tie-Down Ropers, with an autograph session scheduled for December 3.
NEW YORK-NEW YORK — The HQ for the NFR Bareback Riders, with an autograph session scheduled for December 8.
GOLDEN NUGGET — The HQ for the NFR Barrel Racers, with an autograph session scheduled for December 2.
RIO — Home to the Country Christmas Gift Expo from December 1-11.
SOUTH POINT — Home to the PRCA National Convention, Miss Rodeo America, and the Ariat World Series of Team Roping.
RESORTS WORLD — The newest integrated resort on the Strip will transform completely into “Rodeo World Las Vegas.”
More NFR destination hotels: Caesars Palace • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas • The D Las Vegas • Downtown Grand • Gold Coast • Mandalay Bay • Mirage • Orleans • Palms • Plaza • Planet Hollywood • Sahara • Sam’s Town • Treasure Island • Tropicana • Tuscany Suites • Virgin Las Vegas • Westgate Las Vegas
7 DAYTIME DESTINATIONS
THE COWBOY CHANNEL COWBOY CHRISTMAS
There’s a reason it’s the official gift show of Wrangler NFR: Hundreds of exhibitor booths feature the West’s best in clothing, artwork, jewelry, furniture, and more. But there is so much more than just shopping in the massive Las Vegas Convention Center — think daily NFR broadcasts with live audiences, live indoor youth rodeo performances, free tailgate parties, great food of all kinds, and our favorite part — the in-booth demos by leatherworkers and crafters and hatmakers and other Western artisans. If any “shopping trip” can inspire and move you, this is the one. It’s free to enter and open to all, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, December 1–10. NFRexperience.com/cowboychristmas
MORE MARKETS
If you want to head out to other gift markets around town during NFR, consider a few of the other biggies: South Point’s exhibit hall hosts the Cinch Western Gift Show. Mandalay Bay brings in the Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show. Country Christmas takes over the Rio. All are free to attend, just like Cowboy Christmas. Remember that when you’re packing — leave some room.
NFR CONTESTANT AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS
Part of the fun of Wrangler NFR is encountering all of your favorite rodeo stars in the wild. You’ll see them at the casino, on the street, at the big shows, and in the arena. If you want a guaranteed chance to meet and talk to them without disrupting their own NFR fl ow, there will be autograph meet-and-greet events for all the rodeo’s categories. Find out when and where they’re taking place at NFRexperience.com.
BULLFIGHTERS ONLY 2022 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Something unique and thrilling for your afternoons? Every year since 2015, courageous athletes have competed for thousands in cash prizes, taking on notorious fi ghting bulls in thrilling tournament-style action at Resorts World Las Vegas. Find out more at bullfightersonly.com.
MISS RODEO AMERICA PAGEANT
Appearance, horsemanship, and personality are the categories being considered as state rodeo queens come together every year during NFR to compete for the Miss Rodeo America crown. There are plenty of events and appearances where fans can meet contestants and take in the history and legacy, but the coronation event brings it all together with plenty of glitz and glam. Find out more about the December 4 event at South Point Hotel by visiting missrodeoamerica.com.
YETI JUNIOR WORLD FINALS
Every year NFR visitors can get a glimpse at the near future of the sport of rodeo, and they can also get the joyous experience of cheering on young cowboys and cowgirls shining in their individual categories. This year athletes will once again compete for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payout on their quest to claim a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle. NFRexperience.com/juniorworldfinals
A STYLE SHOW AND LUNCHEON FOR A CAUSE
Come together and mingle with some of the most stylish and dedicated NFR attendees at this fundraising luncheon presented by the Pro Rodeo League of Women. The annual event at the South Point has raised nearly $1.9 million for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. Tickets for this year’s December 8 edition are available at varying participation levels; visit prorodeoleagueofwomen.com.
SWING BY C&I
Y’all didn’t think the premier magazine of the West would miss out on the Super Bowl of Rodeo, did ya? We’ll be set up at Cowboy Christmas with C&I-branded merchandise, magazine gift subscriptions, and much more. Look for our logo and magazine covers — we’ll be waiting for you to chat!
OUR SHOPPING RECOMMENDATIONS: Find these Western-lifestyle vendors at Cowboy Christmas and tell ’em we sent you!
CC Western • Chuck’s Woodbarn • Clint Orms • Espuela Design Co • Fenoglio Boot Co • Heritage Brand • H&M Ranch Store • Justin Boots • Rhonda Stark • Runyon’s • Stone Feather Road • The Sparkling Spur • The Windmill Ceiling Fan Co • Tim Joyner • Twisted X Boots • Wireworks Custom Jewelry
LAS VEGAS AFTER DARK
This promotional section was published in the November/December 2022 print edition in collaboration with Las Vegas Events.
