Here’s How to Plan for the Most Epic 10 Days and Nights in Vegas National Finals Rodeo History

Here we go again! It is just about time for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®, and with it being the 40^th Anniversary of the biggest and baddest rodeo moving to Las Vegas, this year is setting up to be our best ever! You HAVE to be in Vegas Dec. 4-13, 2025.

Hurly’s Hot Spots annually gives you a starting point of how to plan your experiences during the 10 days and nights of the NFR – 11 if you count the Downtown Hoedown that gets the rodeo party started each year at the Fremont Street Experience.

A few important tips as you start your planning:

NFR Tip 1

• Be sure and download the new NFR app. You can plan your entire itinerary, plus keep up to date on everything from the actual rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center, to the Junior NFR, to Cowboy Christmas presented by Pro Fantasy Rodeo, to everything in between.

NFR Tip 2

• When you attend an official NFR Watch Party at an NFR Hotel Sponsor, you will enjoy the in-arena video and audio feed, which is almost like being inside the Thomas & Mack Center.

NFR Tip 3

• Besides the NFR App, visit NFRexperience.com for anything and everything 2025 NFR. 

NFR Tip 4

• Each official Hotel Sponsor is the home of a free NFR shuttle stop to and from the Thomas & Mack Center.

Here. We. Go.

Let’s start with the closest Hotel and Resort sponsor to the NFR rodeo action at the history Thomas & Mack Center, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. You are literally within walking distance to the arena if you stay there, or start your night there.

Virgin is “All In on Rodeo” and offers rodeo-themed food, watch parties and live entertainment during NFR. If you haven’t made your room reservations, you can earn up to 25% off + $50 F&B credit per advertised NFR stays. Plus, complimentary parking and valet, which is in short supply in Vegas these days.

Live entertainment is available nightly in the Virgin Theatre and kicks off Dec. 3 with Sam Barber prior to the Red Clay Strays Dec. 4-5. Rounding out the live entertainment after several other shows is Hudson Westbrook on Dec. 13. Check out the official Virgin NFR portal at https://virginhotelslv.com/nfr/ for all show times and info.

The MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone is the Granddaddy of NFR parties and watch event. This zone features complimentary nightly music and giveaways, plus food and drink deals and special guests.

The MGM Grand is also the home to the Tie-down Ropers and has an official autograph session on Dec. 6 on MGM’s NFR page.

Concerts and entertainment at MGM Grand:

• December 4, 5 & 6 – Rodney Carrington – David Copperfield Theater
• December 11, 12 & 13 – Steve Trevino – David Copperfield Theater
• December 12 – Zach Top – MGM Grand Garden Arena

All MGM info is available at https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/

Another official NFR partner hotel with a deep rodeo history is the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. South Point is Cowboy central all year long, but things level up when the NFR hits Vegas. 

Always a highlight is the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wrangler NFR Viewing Parties in the South Point Grand Ballroom. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Following the watch party go to the South Point’s Showroom for the Wrangler NFR Go Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Joe Beaver. South Point also offers other viewing parties on property.

The South Point Arena is also the official home to the Ariat World Series of Team Roping each year. For all South Point NFR info visit http://www.VegasCowboyCentral.com.

You know when a Vegas resort basically changes its entire name to include the word rodeo that it must be committed to rodeo fans. Well, that is exactly what happens when Resorts World evolves into Rodeo World each December.

Rodeo World is the home of the 15 NFR Saddle Bronc riders and hosts an autograph session Dec. 12 in addition to other individual signings throughout the week. 

Rodeo World also features live watch parties plus The Cowboy Channel Live show. And the Ultimate Bullfighters Last Man Standing event is Dec. 4-14 at Rodeo World.

And Teton Ridge, the premier western sports and entertainment brand, is a main part of Rodeo Vegas back for a third consecutive year. Presented by Rock & Roll Denim, guests 21+ will enjoy an unmatched experience with nightly NFR viewing parties inside Zouk Nightclub, with a dedicated all-ages experience at Red Tail, home to the Rodeo Vegas Ranch.

Live concerts include Riley Green, Kaskade and T-Pain, among others.

When a resort is home to the World-Famous Gilley’s, then you know it is a must-stop during an NFR itinerary. Treasure Island—known as the TI—and Gilley’s, is the place to be during the NFR. The TI is the official home to the NFR bull riders with autograph sessions planned.

Gilley’s features NFR® Drink Specials and an Official NFR® Watch Party at 5 p.m. that features live music and $10 mechanical bull rides. And you will be served and entertained by the “Splendiferous Gilley Girls.” Each night during the NFR there are a minimum of two live acts at Gilley’s that keeps the action going until the wee hours.

Listed hotel rates start at $119 at TI during the NFR. Visit www.TreasureIsland.com for more NFR information.

Well, there is a great start for your Wrangler NFR planning. Hit up the app or website for more, and make your epic plans to be part of the 40^th anniversary of rodeo in Vegas!

Plus, check back with Hurly Hot Spots for more action that includes Silverton, The Orleans, Circa, Golden Nugget, and many more.