The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, which run concurrently from Dec. 1 – 10, recorded impressive attendance marks on Saturday, Dec. 3.
For the Wrangler NFR, the Dec. 3 performance reached a total attendance of 17,703, the highest mark since 2006 when the all-time record of 18,224 attended the rodeo. However, that record attendance was prior to the renovation of the Thomas & Mack Center that decreased total seating capacity. Since the Wrangler NFR’s arrival in Las Vegas in 1985, total attendance for the 37 years at the Thomas & Mack Center has surpassed 6.2 million.
Meanwhile, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas recorded a total attendance on Dec. 3 of 40,894, the highest single-day figure in its history. The official gift show of the Wrangler NFR features live entertainment and more than 350 exhibitors from across the U.S. The record attendance at the South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center incorporates both The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo located on the second floor.
“These record-setting attendance marks are a testament to Las Vegas’ overall commitment to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas,” said Las Vegas Events President Pat Christenson. “To drive these numbers, it is equally important to acknowledge that same commitment from our sponsors and 25 hotel partners that continue to create unique fan experiences throughout our city.”
In addition to the rodeo action and daily shopping at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the NFR Experience events up and down the Las Vegas Strip and downtown will continue through next Saturday. Over the ten days of the Wrangler NFR, there are more than 75 concerts and 30 locations that offer NFR Live presented by Teton Ridge, the live satellite feed of the rodeo.
Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in each event to compete for a share of the $10.9 million purse.
For more information on the Wrangler NFR and Cowboy Christmas, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest Pro Rodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit WatchNFR.com or through social media at @PRCA_ProRodeo.