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Treasure Island is the Official Home of Gilley’s and the NFR Bull Riders

Oct 22, 2021

Treasure Island is the Official Home of Gilley’s and the NFR Bull Riders

By Brian Hurlburt

Gilley’s is here.

That’s about all you have to mention about the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® happenings at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino (T.I.) to verify that this is a certified place to be during the NFR.

Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Barbecue is as country & Western legit as it gets, and is home to a Western party the other 355 nights a year, but during the NFR in Vegas, the action gets amped up to another level.

The T.I. is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and has welcomed NFR fans, competitors and sponsors for years. Gilley’s, which is located at the front of the resort facing the Strip, is the perfect welcome mat for all things cowboys and cowgirls.

Treasure Island Hotel & Casino (T.I.)

Here’s some more inside scoop about everything happening at the T.I.—and Gilley’s—this December from resort insiders Jennifer Renzelman (VP of Communications) and Craig Taylor (Executive Director of Culinary Operations):

For more information about 2021 NFR at T.I. click here.

Hurly’s Hotspots (HH): What is the first thing that comes to your mind about T.I. activations during Wrangler NFR and how the NFR is also returning to Las Vegas after the year away?

Jennifer Renzelman (JR): One word – it’s fun! Between the brainstorming and executions of our property activations, and then seeing enthusiasm of the fans, the skill and athleticism of the competitors, and the almost electric energy that drives the entire event – it’s just so much fun!

Craig Taylor (CT): We couldn’t be happier to have NFR back in Las Vegas. We think it will be the best – and safest! – year yet.  I think the city will really embrace the return like nothing else. 

HH: What makes Wrangler NFR fans, sponsors and competitors such a special group to cater to each year?

CT: They’re a very generous, courteous and fun-loving folk. They really appreciate everything we have to offer at Gilley’s, from our line dancing and bull-riding to our delicious bar-be-que and live music.  It’s always a lively crowd!

HH: There may be no brand that is more synonymous with the country and Western lifestyle than Gilley’s. What is the first thing that comes to your mind about this legendary place being on property at TI, not only during NFR, but all year?

JR: We are legendary! The movie that started it all – “The Urban Cowboy” – was released 41 years ago, and the appeal is still going strong, world-wide. We have fantastic country bands that love to play Gilley’s, because we are the premiere country venue on the Las Vegas Strip.

HH: Please describe the “vibe” of Gilley’s.

CT: The vibe of Gilley’s is fun and energetic. It’s a party vibe with great food, drinks, live bands and people watching. It’s really second to none.

HH: Live music is a big part of NFR/TI/Gilley’s: what is the first thing that comes to your mind about the 2021 lineup that includes Reckless Kelly, Scotty Alexander and others?

Reckless Kelly

CT: The variety of country artists that grace our stage is great.  From rocking country to traditional honky tonk.  I’m really excited to welcome back Reckless Kelly for their third year at Gilley’s, and Scotty Alexander is a local’s favorite who is making a great name for himself with his high-energy performances. We have live music every night of NFR, and I’m really looking forward to it!

Scotty Alexander

HH: Please detail any/all NFR activations at TI that you would like fans to know about.

JR: We’re the official home of the NFR Bull Riders, and hosting them is always a treat! From personal interactions with their fans on property with autograph sessions, to nightly appearances after the NFR.  We’re also live-streaming the NFR in Gilley’s every night starting at 5:30pm, and are partnering with local country radio station, 102.7 Coyote Country for live remotes starting at 9pm. Our live music starts at 10pm and goes until the early hours of the morning. We never stop!