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National Finals Rodeo

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is pro rodeo's championship, and it has been held in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center every December since 1985. The 2026 NFR runs 10 nights, Dec. 3–12, 2026, with a record purse of more than $17.5 million. [1][2]

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026

2026 datesDec. 3–12, 2026, 10 nights [2]
VenueThomas & Mack Center, UNLV campus [2][1]
PurseMore than $17.5 million: $13.5 million to contestants and more than $4 million to stock contractors [2]
In Las Vegas since1985 [1]
Who competesThe PRCA's top 15 money winners in each event [1]

What's next?

Why is NFR one of Vegas's biggest sports weeks?

Every December the city fills with Western fans for 10 nights. The rodeo's top 15 money winners in each event compete for world titles at the Thomas & Mack Center [1]. Las Vegas won the event with a 1984 bid and has hosted it since 1985 [1]. Around the rodeo there are viewing parties, concerts and Cowboy Christmas at the Convention Center [2].

Official info: NFR Experience [3].

National Finals Rodeo: the timeline

  1. RodeoDecember 1985
    The National Finals Rodeo moves to Las Vegas

    After Las Vegas bid for the event in 1984, the NFR began its December run at the Thomas & Mack Center in 1985.[1][4]

    Thomas & Mack Center · permalink
  2. RodeoDecember 2020
    The NFR leaves Las Vegas — for one year

    Pandemic restrictions sent the 2020 NFR to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. It returned to the Thomas & Mack Center in 2021.[1]

    permalink
  3. RodeoDec. 3, 2026 · Upcoming
    Upcoming: the 2026 NFR, Dec. 3–12

    The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo returns to the Thomas & Mack Center for ten nights. Las Vegas has an agreement to keep the NFR through 2035.[2][1]

    Thomas & Mack Center · permalink

Frequently asked questions

When is the NFR in 2026?

Dec. 3–12, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center. [2]

How long has the NFR been in Las Vegas?

Since 1985. Las Vegas bid for the event in 1984. [1]

How much prize money is at the 2026 NFR?

More than $17.5 million, which the LVCVA calls the highest in rodeo history. [2]

What's Cowboy Christmas?

The official NFR gift show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center during NFR. Admission is free. [2]

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Sources

  1. National Finals Rodeo — Wikipedia — Wikipedia. Accessed Oct. 8, 2026.
  2. Experience the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, December 3–12 — Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Accessed Oct. 8, 2026.
  3. The Official NFR Experience — Las Vegas Events. Accessed Oct. 8, 2026.
  4. Thomas & Mack Center — Wikipedia — Wikipedia. Accessed Oct. 8, 2026.