Wrangler National Finals Rodeo


Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Begins first Friday in DecemberRodeo's premier event, sometimes called the Super Bowl of rodeos, is a 10-day affair that has been held since 1985 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, which offered a record $2.45 million in prize money in 1991, is reserved for the top 15 contestants in each of seven events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, women's barrel racing, and bull riding. The winners are considered the world champions in their event. There is also a world all-around champion.
The national finals debuted in 1959 in Dallas, moved to Los Angeles in 1962 and to Oklahoma City in 1965, where it stayed until its move to Las Vegas 20 years later. Attendance is about 85,000.
The rodeo is preceded by the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Events during the 10 days of rodeo include a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association convention and trade show, horsemanship competitions, a hoedown, the National Finals Rodeo Christmas Gift Show, cowboy poetry gatherings, style shows, a golf invitational, fashion shows, and dances. The World Champions Awards Banquet is the grand finale.
See also Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo
CONTACTS:
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
101 Pro Rodeo Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-593-8840; fax: 719-548-4876
www.prorodeo.com
SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 146