Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Announces Opening Acts for the 50th Anniversary Celebration

Big-name entertainers to launch each performance

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) announced today the list of opening acts prior to the start of each rodeo performance.  Some of the biggest names in country music will grace the stage at the Thomas & Mack Center to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo.

The acts include:

Thursday, Dec. 4 – Trailer Choir

Friday, Dec. 5 – Jake Owen

Saturday, Dec. 6 – Reba McEntire

Sunday, Dec. 7 – Brooks & Dunn

Monday, Dec. 8 – Crystal Shawanda

Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Red Steagall

Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Ronnie Milsap

Thursday, Dec. 11 – Charlie Daniels

Friday, Dec. 12 – Zac Brown Band

Saturday, Dec. 13 – Jack Ingram and Matt Lewis as Elvis

Following the opening acts, the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding will compete for a share of the $5.625 million purse. 

In addition to the line-up of opening acts, fans will find plenty of entertainment and activities prior to the start of the Wrangler NFR.  Fans are encouraged to arrive early and will have an opportunity to enjoy food and beverage and see live entertainment on the Academy of Country Music (ACM) stage inside the Cox Pavilion.  This pre-event hospitality area, aptly named Cowboy Corral, is free and open to all ticket holders and features performances by country music artists.

Doors to Cowboy Corral open at 5 p.m. for the 6:45 p.m. weekday rodeo performances and 4 p.m. for the 5:45 p.m. weekend performances.  

In addition, fans can enjoy the ProRodeo Zone, the exclusive fan interactive area of the Wrangler NFR.  Sponsors such as Wrangler, Dodge, B&W Hitches, Justin Boots, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Boyd Gaming, Priefert, American Cowboy Coffee, Dude Ranchers Association and Coors provide interactive activities in tents adjacent to the arena.  

“Some of biggest names in country music have committed their time and talent to the 50^th anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.  “From the minute that fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center, they will find action and entertainment.  We hope that fans arrive early to enjoy the interactive area in the ProRodeo Zone and the live music on the ACM Stage inside the Cowboy Corral, prior to the start of the rodeo.” 

In 2007, the event had a total event attendance of 174,087 over the 10 days of competition.  The Wrangler NFR has sold out more than 220 consecutive performances.  According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the estimated non-gaming economic of the 2007 event was $60.6 million.

For additional information on Wrangler NFR entertainment, transportation and shuttle buses, please visit www.NFRexperience.com.  Additional information about Las Vegas can be found at www.VisitLasVegas.com.