Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Breaks Total Attendance Mark
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, attracted its largest crowds to date. During the ten performances at the Thomas & Mack Center from Dec. 4 – 13, total attendance reached 177,565, eclipsing the previous mark of 176,558 set in 2013.
In addition, the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show and Cowboy FanFest brought record crowds to the Las Vegas Convention Center over the ten days. Total attendance reached 200,179, surpassing the previous record attendance of 196,856 set in 2013.
Sold out for 280 consecutive performances, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding as they compete for a share of the $6.375 million purse. Qualification is based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings.
The 2014 Wrangler NFR World Champions crowned last night included Trevor Brazile, who claimed his record 21st gold buckle and 12th all-around world championship. Also winning gold buckles were Kaycee Feild, bareback riding; Luke Branquinho, steer wrestling; Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill, team roping; Spencer Wright, saddle bronc riding; Tuf Cooper, tie-down roping; Fallon Taylor, barrel racing and Sage Kimzey, bull riding.
With more than 300,000 square feet of show floor and just under 350 exhibitors from across the United States and Canada, the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show featured unique products, including custom-made jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and home goods.
Adjacent to Cowboy Christmas, Cowboy FanFest added 100,000 square feet of the best of the Western lifestyle, giving fans a chance to enjoy the best that rodeo has to offer. The area featured live music and entertainment in Rodeo Live presented by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Boot Barn Rodeo Saloon, demonstrations and competitions in the Wrangler Rodeo Arena presented by Priefert, interactive booths and rodeo exhibits in Lucas Oil Rodeo Way, the NFR Social Arena and more.
For more information on the Wrangler NFR, Cowboy Christmas and Cowboy FanFest, please visit www.NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR.