Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is all too happy to have renewed its contract and authorized nearly $2.5 million in sponsorship for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) at its board meeting on Jan. 30.
Prepared to greet cowboys and cowgirls for the next 10 years, Las Vegas will remain the site of the NFR for a combined 40 years between its initial agreement in 1984 and its renewal through 2024. During the first two weeks of December, the NFR brings in $110,000 in annual spending, according to Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO, LVCVA.
Sponsored by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA), officials expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue hosting its sports events in Las Vegas.
“Friday [Jan. 24] was a fantastic day for the National Finals Rodeo, and I hope Las Vegas,” said Karl Stressman, chairman, PRCA. “We love Vegas. We’re excited to be here and start the next chapter of the NFR.”
An agreement was reached between PRCA and LVCVA through Las Vegas Events (LVE) for an annual allocation to promote the NFR and its ancillary events. Leading up to the event, $1 million will be used each year to promote the NFR in addition to a $1.2 million sponsorship of the RAM national Circuit Finals Rodeo and twelve PRCA Circuit Final Rodeos as well as $287,500 towards sponsoring a steer roping final event.
Spirits were high as showgirls donning cowgirl hats and boots greeted board members, who unanimously voted to sanction the sponsorship. During an official press conference, LVCVA Chairman Tom Collins unveiled a commemorative plaque celebrating the partnership with PRCA.
Photo credit: Darrin Bush/Las Vegas News Bureau
LVCVA board members considered the NFR to be a long-standing tradition in Las Vegas.
“Welcome home. [Las Vegas] is the home of the NFR…growing up here. It belongs here, so welcome home,” said Steven D. Ross, councilman, LVCVA.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman applauded the city’s efforts following six weeks of negotiations to bring back the event, which brought in over $87 million in non-gaming economic impact in 2013.
“It’s a great day for Las Vegas, and all the cowboys and cowgirls out there,” said Mayor Goodman. “We are proud of everyone who’s been involved in making this happen.”
Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO, LVCVA, namely thanked LVE Board of Trustees Chairman Bill McBeath and long-time sponsor Michael Gaughan for their part in securing the agreement, to begin in 2015.
The annual event and its ancillary events including Cowboy Christmas Gift Show and stock auctions, bring over 170,000 attendees to Las Vegas each December.
