Resorts World Transforms into ‘Rodeo World’ during Wrangler NFR

by Brian Hurlburt

For those familiar with longtime Las Vegas resort executive Scott Sibella, it’s no surprise how and why Las Vegas’ newest resort is going all-in on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in 2021. Sibella is now president of Resorts World, and the Las Vegas Events board member has always been a huge supporter of all things country & Western.

We don’t know for sure, but quite possibly the first thing Sibella did upon taking the reigns of Resorts World was the don his cowboy hat and get started planning how the megaresort would welcome fans, competitors and sponsors.

We were fortunate to get some insight from Sibella about Resorts World, the plans surrounding the NFR, and why he and his team at RW love each December when the rodeo rolls through Vegas.

Hurly’s Hotspots: As the newest resort in Las Vegas, what is the first thing that comes to mind about branding Resorts World as “Rodeo World” during the NFR?

Scott Sibella: “Rodeo World Las Vegas” will be the city’s one-stop-shop for all things NFR. We’re excited to transform the resort into a major NFR celebration with a variety of activations and events designed to put visitors in the western spirt. We hope all NFR guests join us to enjoy our themed experiences throughout the two weekends.

HH: Why is it so important to embrace the NFR fans and those who appreciate the country & Western lifestyle?

SS: Wrangler NFR is an incredibly important event for the Las Vegas community, having brought in visitors from around the country to support our city for the last 35 years. This year, we’re excited to offer a brand-new playground for those who appreciate the country western lifestyle as Las Vegas’s newest NFR destination.

HH: Due to your newness, many are still probably a little bit unfamiliar with exactly what Resorts World is. For those folks, what is the first thing that comes to mind about the Resorts World brand/concept, in general?

SS: Resorts World Las Vegas is designed to be a truly integrated resort with everything guests need under one roof for an incredible, all-encompassing Las Vegas experience. From casual attractions and experiences to high-end fine dining and some of the city’s most luxurious suites, we want everyone to feel welcome and find something they enjoy at our resort. We officially opened our doors in June and have been overwhelmed by the positive response from guests and visitors.

With 3,506 rooms from three of Hilton’s premium hotel brands (Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas), over forty diverse food and beverage venues, a world-class spa, a 5.5-acre pool complex, 5,000-capacity Theatre, a variety of retail shops and much more, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy here. It’s been over a decade since something of this magnitude opened on the Strip, and we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new hospitality experience to the city and this year’s NFR visitors.

HH: Not only will there be headliners and viewing parties, Bullfighters Only perfs, and so much more, but what are one or two NFR experiences at RW—”that’s Rodeo World”–that you believe will be most unique and exciting?

SS: Resorts World Las Vegas will host several exciting experiences throughout NFR. We’re thrilled to present multiple live performances from country music star Riley Green at Dawg House Saloon Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 10-11. Speaking of Dawg House, our title sponsor, Wrangler, will take over the space to transform it to “Wrangler Dawg House.” The venue will offer live music, themed activations, event viewings, dancing, and food and drink specials throughout the two weekends.  

For more from Resorts World, visit https://www.rwlasvegas.com/

Longtime Las Vegas resident, writer and author Brian Hurlburt is the person behind Hurly’s Hotspots. He hopes you enjoy your time in Las Vegas before, during and after the Wrangler NFR. He also helps produce NFR BLVD and NFR Rewind with Las Vegas Events.