It isn’t a secret that Las Vegas has a lot to offer as a vacation destination. Much like most big cities, the amount of restaurants, entertainment venues and people in general are abundant, but Las Vegas is still unique… especially during the National Finals Rodeo.
Nearly 200,000 people attend the Wrangler NFR Performances over the 10-night span. This number doesn’t include the other touristed attracted to the area for related western lifestyle festivities like Cowboy Christmas and shopping, horse sales or roping competitions not officially held as part of the NFR.
The number of cowboys (and want-to-be cowboys) circulating during the 10 day span is unfathomable.
The Plaza Hotel is an excellent choice of accommodations. The downtown location supplies entertainment around the clock. Various concerts take place up and down Fremont Street. There are countless dining options, and it was a prime spot for people watching. Don’t overlook Oscar’s either. This steakhouse, housed right in The Plaza Hotel, serves top notch food and has an amazing view.
Hard to capture the gorgeous view on my phone. Oscar’s, located on the 2nd floor of The Plaza looks directly out over Fremont Street.
Shopping venues/trade shows included Cowboy Christmas at the Convention Center, plus others held at various hotels: Mandalay Bay, South Point, The Plaza, the Rio…
The same is true for NFR Watch Parties- they were held at many hotels. The Plaza Hotel has one of the best; sponsored by American Hat Company, the door prizes and give-a-ways are hard to match. Prizes in 2022 included everything from ball caps and kid ropes to a 40x Cowboy Hat. Oscar’s Steakhouse gift certificates, saddle pads, jeans, and boots were also on the list.
Watching the NFR Live on the big screen.This is me accepting my certificate for a free pair of Cinch Jeans!Posing outside the ballroom before heading into the watch party.
The Plaza Hotel is also the host of the Diamonds of the Desert Premier Horse Sale. Seventy five top horses are shown outside for two days before coming into the ballroom for the live auction right on stage.
Other horse events take place in the Core Arena just outside the Plaza Hotel. Breakaway roping, tie down roping and barrel racing just to name a few (and you can watch more than one a time- all without ever leaving downtown).
Enjoying the sunshine while watching break away roping on the left and a horse sale preview and/or barrel racing on the right. The arenas were always full of action.
Another popular destination, full of action during the NFR stretch, is South Point. This massive facility holds ropings in multiple arenas, has lots of restaurants, features the Cinch Trade Show with many cowboy vendors, and hosts huge NFR Ram Rodeo Watch Parties. If you’re in Las Vegas for the NFR, you don’t want to pass up a trip to South Point. You won’t be disappointed or bored…
A trip to Las Vegas any time of year is exciting! The bright lights, the casinos, the people, the entertainment… it is all amazing to see and be a part of. But during the NFR, the place is absolutely magical! Yes, you still get all the glitz and glam but add in a few “howdy mam’s”, cowboy boots and a rodeo and you’ve got yourself a vacation you’ll never forget!