Following unanimous votes by the Las Vegas Events board of trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association board of directors, both organizations jointly reached an agreement to keep the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas through 2024.
The new agreement will begin following the 2014 Wrangler NFR.
Per the agreement, LVE will guarantee $16.5 million annually in purse and sponsorship for the Wrangler NFR. From 2015-19, the contestant purse will be $10 million while stock contractors will receive $3 million annually. The contestants will be guaranteed $10,000 each year, which will not be offset by contestant winnings. From 2020-24, there will be cost-of-living increases to each purse and guarantee.
“Perhaps the best aspect of this agreement,” said Keith Martin, chairman of the board, PRCA, “is that it benefits every PRCA member – contestants, stock contractors, committees and contract personnel. There is an investment here to advance the PRCA’s circuit system and help the sport continue to grow.”
Additional elements of the agreement include a season-long sponsorship program with the PRCA, presenting sponsorships of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and 12 RAM Circuit Final Rodeos, as well as the National Finals Steer Roping, if it is held in Las Vegas.
“For nearly 30 years, Las Vegas has built a strong partnership with the PRCA and its contestants,” said Bill McBeath, chairman of the board of trustees, Las Vegas Events. “This new agreement clearly demonstrates the commitment that Las Vegas has to the PRCA, to the overall growth of the sport of rodeo and to the contestants. We feel that the new agreement is beneficial to all parties, and we’re very pleased to continue to host this iconic event for an additional ten years.”
The Wrangler NFR, known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, has sold out 270 consecutive performances and attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Qualification is based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings. In 2013, the event had a total attendance of 176,558 over the 10 days of competition in Las Vegas, resulting in a non-gaming economic impact of $87.9 million for the destination.
“Since 1985, more than one million visitors have traveled to the world’s premier destination to experience the energy and excitement of two great brands – Las Vegas and NFR,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “This new agreement will ensure NFR and its loyal fans will be back to Las Vegas for another decade of unrivaled experiences.”
In 2014, the Wrangler NFR will run from Dec. 4-13 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
“We are relieved that we were able to assemble an agreement that both ensures that the Wrangler NFR will remain in Las Vegas for the long term and that all parties will prosper,” said Pat Christenson, president, Las Vegas Events. “We look forward to working with all of our partners in growing the NFR Experience for rodeo fans in Las Vegas.”
For more information on the Wrangler NFR, visit www.NFRexperience.com or www.prorodeo.com.
