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The calendar has turned to November, leaving just over a month until the 2026 Wrangler NFR opens in Las Vegas on December 3. Ten performances are scheduled through December 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The organizer’s performance calendar lists a 5:45 p.m. Pacific start for every performance. For fans following from home or traveling to Nevada, this is a useful point to turn a general intention to watch into a confirmed plan.
Put the ten performances on your calendar
The opening night is Thursday, December 3, and the final performance is Saturday, December 12. The scheduled Las Vegas start converts to 6:45 p.m. Mountain, 7:45 p.m. Central and 8:45 p.m. Eastern.
A television preshow may begin earlier than the arena performance, and replay programming has its own listing. Use the NFR schedule for the competition dates, then check your provider or service for the complete coverage window.
Settle the viewing details before December
If you already receive Cowboy Channel through a television provider, check that the channel opens with your current package. If you intend to stream, confirm explicit NFR access in your Cowboy Plus account and test the device you plan to use.
Do not wait until the first performance to discover an account mismatch or an app that needs updating. Keep the receipt for any subscription purchase and note the platform that billed you. That makes support questions easier to resolve if access does not appear correctly.
Our channel guide, Cowboy Plus guide and Roku setup instructions cover the practical checks. Full live coverage requires eligible paid access.
Arrive ready to follow the competition
The contestant roster helps connect names with back numbers. Season standings provide context, while the results hub will be the place to follow the separate December rounds. At the start of November, those rounds have not yet taken place.
Travelers should also confirm the date on each ticket and the transport plan for each evening. If combining the arena with Cowboy Christmas, leave time between the daytime show and the journey across town. A little preparation now leaves more room to enjoy the rodeo once opening night arrives.
Related: Complete How to Watch NFR guide.
