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National Finals Rodeo Committee Announces the Hiring of Boyd Polhamus as Production Manager

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NOV 3, 2017

National Finals Rodeo Committee Announces the Hiring of Boyd Polhamus as Production Manager

LAS VEGAS

The National Finals Rodeo Committee announced today that Boyd Polhamus has been named to succeed Shawn Davis as the production manager of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The annual event, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, is scheduled for December 7 – 16 this year.

Polhamus will work closely with Shawn Davis, the current NFR General Manager, as well as Las Vegas Events, NFRC and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association on all aspects of rodeo production for the next three years beginning in 2017.

Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Polhamus discovered rodeo at young age. He was the first three-time all-around high school cowboy in the state’s history. He continued his rodeo career at Texas State University, while also beginning his announcing career.

He joined the PRCA in 1986 as both a competitor and an announcer. His first foray into announcing at that level took place in Utopia, Texas in June of 1986. Two years later, Polhamus bucked his last horse and became a full-time announcer.

Since that first announcing job in Utopia, there was no turning back for Polhamus. During his career that has spanned 32 years, he has been actively involved in more than 1,000 rodeos with nearly 4,500 performances across North America. His voice has become a staple at the Wrangler NFR, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver, San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, College National Finals Rodeo and many more.

“In 1959, John Van Cronkhite created the NFR to showcase the sport of rodeo with the idea of matching the best contestants against the best stock, allowing the contestants to have their complete degree of glory in the arena,” said Davis. “Following this theme has made the National Finals Rodeo the success that it is today. I feel that Boyd Polhamus has the experience, the ability and the determination to continue and enhance this original idea. I look forward to working with him and supporting him in the endeavor to take the NFR to greater heights.”

“In addition to being the voice of rodeo, Boyd brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” said Scott Sibella, COO and president of MGM Grand and chairman of Las Vegas Events. “His dedication to the sport of rodeo, along with his keen sense of production and timing, will be a great asset in Las Vegas as we continue to grow the Wrangler NFR.”

In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012, his peers selected Polhamus as the PRCA Announcer of the Year. He also received the Lane Frost Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

“To be honest, this is very intimidating,” said Polhamus. “Shawn and his staff have set the bar very high. He has taught me so much and I’m going to use what I’ve learned. The ultimate goal is to make the Wrangler NFR even more fun and engaging for fans, sponsors, and contestants while protecting the integrity of the race for a World Championship. It’s a daunting task, but I’m determined.”

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, 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 to compete for a share of the $10 million purse and the coveted Gold Buckle. In 2016, the event had a total attendance of 168,859 over the 10 days of competition and has sold out more than 300 consecutive performances.