NFR Viewing Parties

By Patrick Everson

So here’s one of the worst-kept secrets of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: The viewing parties all around town are spectacular.

You could certainly make a case that, in many ways, the viewing parties are even better than being inside the raucous-and-rowdy Thomas & Mack Center.

Take it from Jennifer Goyne, who along with husband Kyle made the trek out to Vegas from Mountaintop, Pa. Goyne gave a huge thumbs-up to Saturday night’s viewing party at a jam-packed Gilley’s, inside Treasure Island.

“I just think it’s a great way to see the rodeo,” Goyne said from a table with a great view of all the action. “If you can’t get tickets down low behind the chutes, this is the next-best thing. And Gilley’s is the best place to watch. Everybody is here for the same reason.”

But it’s not just about getting up close to NFR action at a fraction of the price. It’s the camaraderie of rodeo fans from across the country. Seated at the same table as the Goynes were Chad and Chanda Mills, and their 14-year-old daughter Brinley. The Mills are from Veneta, Oregon.

“We didn’t know these people before tonight. I didn’t know their names til just now,” Goynes said with a laugh.

By watching them interact, though, you’d think the two families knew each other forever, rather than just a few minutes.

“When you’re in a rodeo situation, it’s easy to become fast friends,” Chad said.

Added Chanda: “Any country person is a good person!”

All five were having a great time, even the teenager in the bunch, because Gilley’s allows those under 21 to attend the viewing party portion of the evening. That’s a big plus for mom.

“I’ve never been to a viewing party. This is amazing,” Chanda said. “It’s our first time at Gilley’s. My kid is allowed to be in here and experience this. It’s a family thing where we can all watch the NFR. It’s so cool being able to do this together as a family.”

Chanda then summed it up nicely, and while she was speaking specifically to Gilley’s, surely her sentiments are echoed at NFR viewing parties all around town.

“If we’re not actually at the NFR, we’ll be here,” she said.