A golden ‘Pow-Pow’ NFR experience awaits at MGM, Mirage, Mandalay Bay

This edition of Hurly’s Hotspots reveals the NFR off-the-dirt action at three top Vegas resorts, and if you do nothing more than check out these happenings, your 2019 Wrangler NFR experience will feel like a 90 ride …

And if you pay close attention to these words, you’ll find out where to hang with the legend himself, Dale Brisby.

A must stop on a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo itinerary for fans is the Gold Buckle Zone at MGM.

With a name like that, how could it not be?

Other cool spots that should be experienced are Rodeo Vegas at the Mirage, and the Roper Cowboy Marketplace presented by Boot Barn and Cowboyville at Mandalay Bay.

Under the flagship MGM Resorts banner, The Mirage, MGM and Mandalay Bay embrace country & Western fans, competitors, sponsors and enthusiasts just like world champion Sage Kimzey survives eight-second rides on the world’s rankest bulls.

In other words, very well …

Zoning In

When you visit https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/nfr.html, the home page of all things NFR related at MGM, there is a countdown clock ticking, and at the time of this posting, it was at 52 days and counting …

You can almost smell the bulls and horses in the air, and the Gold Buckle Zone is readying for an epic party.

“Drinks, dancin’ and country fun” is the Gold Buckle Zone tagline, and this cowboy and cowgirl party runs each night from 7:30 p.m. — 2 a.m. at the Central near the MGM Sports book. Free live music, viewing parties, dancing, giveaways and much more is part of the Gold Buckle Zone experience.

The Gold Buckle Zone also has a reputation for competitor appearances because the MGM sponsors several current and former rodeo stars who enjoy lettin’ loose a bit during the week.

It’s no Mirage

Rodeo Vegas at the Mirage features free live viewing parties (official live viewing parties throughout Las Vegas feature the in-arena television feed) and unbeatable drink specials plus free nightly concerts from country music’s brightest talents. There are also special giveaways throughout the NFR Rodeo Vegas experience.

Part of the Mirage Rodeo Vegas party this year will be country & Western social media star Dale Brisby. He knows how to get any party started and will be meeting and greeting fans the only way the ‘ol’ son’ Brisby can … with a smile and a story for each occasion.

“In Vegas—or Brisby City as I like to call it—rodeo time is right around the corner because here comes the NFR, ol’ son,” Brisby says. “And I know what you’re thinking, ‘Dale, where can I find you in Las Vegas this year during the NFR?’ Right here at the Mirage. Rodeo Vegas, the official after party of the NFR.”

So, get on down for a little “pow-pow!” with Brisby, the world’s greatest, er, bull rider …

In addition to Brisby, a strong entertainment lineup is set for the Rodeo Vegas stage.

Acts appearing this year at the Mirage are:

Dec. 5 – Mitchell Tenpenny

Dec. 6 – Easton Corbin

Dec. 7 & 9 – Casey Donahew Band

Dec. 12 – Mark Chestnutt

Dec. 13 – Lanco

Dec. 14 – Chris Lane

The live NFR viewing is available in the sportsbook, where what are billed as the largest HD Projection screens in Las Vegas show the action in style and technicolor beauty.

If you are reading this and still seeking a place to stay, check out the Mirage where special NFR room packages are available.

Mirage and Rodeo Vegas information – https://mirage.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/nfr.html

Hit the Bay

Mandalay Bay, a tropical themed resort on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, transforms into a western flavor each December and offers some unique experiences.

The resort offers live viewing parties and live music nightly at Cowboyville, but the Roper Cowboy Marketplace presented by Boot Barn is a nice stop during the day as you recover from epic NFR nights.

According to Mandalay Bay reps, “the Cowboy Marketplace is your maximum western shopping experience, featuring hundreds of vendors and daily entertainment.”

Giddy up.

Mandalay Bay also keeps a country vibe alive throughout the year with the Nashville Unplugged Story Behind the Song series each Friday at 8 p.m. at Rhythm & Riffs, which is located in the heart of the casino. The intimate acoustic show has featured performances from the writers of Garth Brooks’ “More than a Memory,” Gary Allan’s “Nothing on But the Radio” and Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water.”

All Mandalay Bay NFR info is available at https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/nfr.html#/Overview

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Author: Brian “Hurly” Hurlburt

Brian “Hurly” Hurlburt has been covering the city that glitters, Las Vegas, from all the angles for 25 years, and is the editor and project manager for the NFR BLVD preview and NFR Rewind review magazines.