The hugely popular National Finals Rodeo has just confirmed they will be staying in Las Vegas through 2024. The news ends speculation that the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was moving the Rodeo to Orlando, Fla., or Dallas, TX.
After over a month of tense negotiations, between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the PRCA, a deal was finally reached that will guarantee the 10-day event remains in Las Vegas through 2024. This comes as welcome news to local businesses who feared a major loss in income.
Losing the National Finals Rodeo would have been a huge blow to the Las Vegas economy that has benefited from the increase in tourism since the Rodeo came to town in 1985. The NFR brings in over $60 million in tourist spending every year, and has a nongaming economic impact of $87.9 million for Las Vegas.
Although not specifically part of the deal, a new stadium at UNLV is expected to be built to increase capacity for the Rodeo, which is currently held at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 2014 NFR will return to the Thomas & Mack Center on December 4th and will run through the 13th.