The NFR is always bigger for those who hail from the Silver State and get the chance to compete for a gold buckle. This year, that’s the case for Dakota Eldridge, a steer wrestler from Elko who made the NFR for the first time last year and is back for another go-round.
The Cowboy Christmas and Fanfest drew 66,258 shoppers to giant shopping the Las Vegas Convention Center on opening weekend. Is it any wonder Orlando and Dallas tried to rustle the cash cow that is the National Finals Rodeo?
Rodeo brings back old-Vegas tradition of the lounge act, but trade your martini glass for a cowboy hat.
Last weekend, when he was driving toned-down NASCAR stock cars at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it was hard to discern the perennial all-around world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile from the racing machines.
If a movie is ever made about the Wright brothers — the saddle bronc riders, not Orville and Wilbur — the title probably would be a play on the family name, such as “All the Wright Moves” or “The Wright Stuff.”
Bob Tallman gets a bit emotional when he talks about helping others. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame announcer beamed with pride during our chat at the 7th Annual Bob Tallman Celebrity Bowling Tournament at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino on Saturday morning.
There are 120 cowboys and cowgirls competing in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and there’s more great stories about them than you can throw a horseshoe at. But none of them would be where they are if not for the incredible animals they saddle up to ride.
When bull rider Sage Kimzey won the All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, in October, he was denied one of the prizes — a bottle of Pendleton Whisky — because he wasn’t old enough to drink it legally.
The last time bull rider Beau Hill competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, world standings leader Sage Kimzey was all of 10 years old.
Nearly 30 years ago, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association board was split 5-5 over whether the National Finals Rodeo should stay in Oklahoma City or move to a new home in Las Vegas. Then-PRCA President Shawn Davis voted Las Vegas — and has never looked back.
In 1985, the year the National Finals Rodeo arrived in Las Vegas, the No. 1 movie was “Back to the Future” and the top team ropers were Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper.
Marty Yates balled his fist, slammed it repeatedly against his chest and then slung his hat into the middle of the Thomas & Mack Center arena.
A listing of today’s National Finals Rodeo events and entertainment.
Nearly a year ago, it seemed like everyone had a beef with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Colorado Springs, Co.-based organization that sanctions the National Finals Rodeo. This year, the dust-ups of 2013 are a distant memory.
If you’re a bull rider, and you’re last name is Frost, it’s not enough to just compete. You’ve got a namesake to live up to, and you’ve got to ride every bull as if it were your last.
