Opening Performances Announced for the 40th Anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas Events announced today the list of Opening Performances for the 40th anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo® in Las Vegas. The annual showcase is scheduled for Dec. 4-13 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Each of the entertainers will perform prior to the rodeo competition getting underway. The performances will include a variety of production elements, including pyrotechnics, lasers, an interactive stage and full-arena LED and video board supporting graphics.

“We are once again thrilled with our line-up of Opening Performances for the 40th anniversary of the NFR in Las Vegas,” said LVE Vice President of Corporate Marketing Bo Gardner. “We are equally excited to announce that all of these Opening Performances will be presented by our partners at Music City Rodeo in Nashville. This is truly a partnership that combines the Music Capital of the World and the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.”

The full list of Opening Performances includes:
Thursday, Dec. 4 – Throwback Night (Tribute to 1985)
Friday, Dec. 5 – Jarrod Morris (also performing at Westgate Las Vegas on Dec. 12)
Saturday, Dec. 6 – A Tribute to Contract Acts
Sunday, Dec. 7 – Jackson Dean (also performing at Nowhere at Fontainebleu Las Vegas on Dec. 6)
Monday, Dec. 8 – Jenna Paulette (also performing at the Virgin Las Vegas on Dec. 6 and 9)
Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Neal McCoy (also performing Dec. 9 at The Showroom at Golden Nugget)
Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Casey Kearney
Thursday, Dec. 11 – Nate Smith (also performing at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino on Dec. 11)
Friday, Dec. 12 – Ricochet (also performing at Rio Las Vegas on Dec. 12)
Saturday, Dec. 13 – Gold Night

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2024, the event had a total attendance of 170,045 over the ten rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 379 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the 40th anniversary of the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.