Virgin Brings New Vibe to Vegas, NFR in 2021

By Brian Hurlburt

Do you know which official Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® sponsor resort is the most conveniently located to the Thomas & Mack Center? If you didn’t, now you do: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

The resort is a walk—or very short shuttle—from the most famous arena in rodeo. Besides the location, there are plenty of other terrific reasons for rodeo fans to stay, or play, or both, at the new resort, which debuted in January 2021.

Happening at Virgin during the NFR will be live music from some of country’s biggest acts, live viewing parties, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Cowboy Revival in Money, Baby! that features up-and-coming country music acts, and other NFR-related festivities.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is also offering rodeo fans up to 20% off room rates and a $50 dining credit with the offer code “NFR” when booking a minimum two-night stay. The Virgin features free self-parking and no Wi-Fi fees. For more information and to book, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.

I caught up with Gary Scott, the COO of JC Hospitality, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and he shared the inside details of the NFR according to Virgin.

Hurly Hotspots: What is the first thing that comes to your mind about such a strong line up of acts appearing at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas?

Gary Scott: Our team has worked diligently all year to offer our guests and rodeo fans alike an all-star entertainment lineup at The Theater. The first word that comes to mind is “star-studded.” We will be playing host to variety of country’s biggest stars, including Little Big Town on Dec. 3 and 4. Legendary rockers Journey will also be kicking off their six-show residency during NFR week, Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Finally, on Dec. 5, Daughtry will rock the Theater. In addition to The Theater, our other venues, including 24 Oxford, the Event Lawn, and Money, Baby!, will play host to up-and-coming country entertainment, including Easton Corbin, Glen Templeton and more.

HH: What is the first thing that comes to your mind about the resort’s location so close to the legendary Thomas & Mack Center?

GS: Rodeo fans staying at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas never have to leave the rodeo action and excitement. The resort is the most convenient and ideal location for rodeo fans looking to stay close to the action and is located only a mile away from the Thomas & Mack Center and we will be offering nightly round-trip shuttle service. After the short shuttle or walk back to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, guests can expect the party to continue with entertainment and nightly activations throughout the resort. We are also conveniently located near the airport for rodeo fans flying into town and offer free self-parking for fans that prefer to drive.

HH: Now you have released information about 10 additional acts at Money, Baby!, what is the first thing that comes to your mind about this and also being part of Cowboy Revival?

GS: We are extremely excited to partner with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Cowboy Revival to bring some of the most exciting up-and-coming country music acts to the stage at Money, Baby! during our Official NFR Viewing Party. The first thing that comes to mind is our enthusiasm for showcasing Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and all the wonderful surprises we have to offer to the rodeo fans, locals and visitors alike. Partnering with RMEF to be the Home of Cowboy Revival is going to bring a fresh new viewing party experience that Vegas has not seen before. Country music fans and rodeo fans will be able to experience the live viewing of NFR featuring the arena feed along with nightly entertainment at Money, Baby! from Dec. 2 – 11 with complimentary entry (21+).

HH: What makes the Virgin Hotels brand unique for Las Vegas?

GS: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has vibrant, playful and unique energy with surprises around every corner. We cannot wait for you to check it out. The resort offers contemporary and spacious chambers (guest rooms), the 60,000 square foot Mohegan Sun Casino and more. We also offer one of the best food and beverage collections in the city, with hotspots like Kassi Beach House offering coastal Italian fare and Night + Market, vibrant Thai fusion from award-winning Chef Kris Yenbamroong. Guests won’t want to miss One Steakhouse from the world-famous Morton family, Chef Todd English’s Olives or sipping curated cocktails in the Shag Room.