In its 60th year, the 2019 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) will convene from December 5th through the 14th at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event is the highlight of the year for rodeo participants and enthusiasts, where the best in the world compete for the largest purses. To get the most out of your visit to the NFR, you benefit from knowing six things about what you will see.
Events Are Standard
No new events are introduced at the NFR. Cowboys and cowgirls competed in the same rough stock and timed competitions that brought them to NFR in the first place.
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Bareback Riding
- Bull Riding
- Tie Down Roping
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Barrel Racing
How Do Contestants Qualify for NFR?
Those cowboys and cowgirls who earned the most during the regular season rodeo competitions sponsored by Wrangler (which sponsors the NFR) are those who are likely to be in Las Vegas in December. The top 15 earners in each of the standard events are invited to compete at NFR. The champions in each category are those with the highest winnings for the entire year, i.e., what they garner at NFR added to monies from the prior rodeos.
How Is Pay Determined for Contestants?
Total funds allocated for contestants amount to 10 million dollars. Each participant receives $10,000 for qualifying at the outset. Those who place in the top six of each go-round per event get a percentage of the funds set aside for each round, depending on where they finish. Likewise, money is distributed to the top eight finishers in each event, again according to placement. The world champion cowboy or barrel racer is he or she who accumulates the most winnings for the year, culminating at the NFR.
Do Cowboys and Barrel Racers Work for Wrangler or the NFR?
NFR contestants are self-employed, independent contractors. They (or individual sponsors) are responsible for the registration fees of every rodeo they enter—leading up to the NFR—as well as their food, accommodations and travel expenses. Food and veterinary care for their own animals is also their responsibility. Since NFR standings factor in those assets won at every prior event of the year, this championship contest reflects a consistently high level of performance on the part of its athletes.
How Are Judges Selected?
For any professional rodeo, judges must be members in good standing of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA). A rigorous battery of training modules must be completed to assure a judge is qualified to evaluate both contestants and livestock. Prospective officials are also educated in animal welfare. Once they complete this instruction, they are examined as to knowledge and skill before serving as a rodeo judge. Most importantly, they are all former competitors. PRCA chooses from among over 100 certified judges who will be privileged to officiate at the NFR.
Attendees Boost Las Vegas Economy
NFR is huge in Las Vegas. The PRCA suggests that the city gets close to 90 million dollars annually from this event alone. Nearly 180,000 spectators pack out the venue while another 40,000 watch from nearby hotels.