NFR Announces Move From Las Vegas To Texas For 2020

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo / Twitter

This year’s National Finals Rodeo will move from Las Vegas to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The news was announced via the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association during a news conference Wednesday morning, September 9, 2020.

As of right now the move is only temporary for the year 2020.

The NFR has been held in Las Vegas since it moved there from Oklahoma City in 1985. Each year the event sells out all 10 nights and fills local hotels. The NFR hasn’t made any comments on the reason for the alternative site for this year’s rodeo.

The event has an economic impact of an estimated $200 million every year and attracts over 170,000 people. Texas’ state guidelines allow for 50 percent occupancy at professional, collegiate or similar sporting events and can better accommodate these numbers. Texas Governor, Greg Abbott said in a press release:

“We are proud to welcome the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, showcasing the very best competitors and livestock in the world, back to the Lone Star State. Western sports have long been part of the Texas brand, and Texas fans will be thrilled to see these competitors back in the saddle after being bucked off by COVID-19.”

The CEO of the PRCA assures everyone that they are committed to delivering a safe, spectacular event for all attendees.

The PRCA’s contract with Las Vegas Events to host the NFR runs through 2024. A Las Vegas NFR board member said it is likely that agreement would extend by one year because of the event lost to Arlington.

Watch the press conference in the video below.