Rodeo makes Vegas casino operators happy

Monday, Dec. 7, 1998 | 9:22 a.m.

Tens of thousands of rodeo fans have come to Las Vegas during what was once a slow period, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.

An estimated 35,000 visitors are expected to come to town for the rodeo, which began Friday and runs through Sunday at UNLV's campus arena. They will infuse about $28.5 million into the local economy, plus what they lose on the casino tables and in slot machines.

With this year's event, the rodeo has pumped an estimated $265 million into the local economy over the past 14 years.

"The rodeo has been an economic godsend to Las Vegas," said Rob Powers, spokesman for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

"Last year, there were about 88,000 room-nights occupied. That was a lot of room nights for what was once a very slow month."

Room nights are calculated by dividing the total number of visitors by two, since most rooms are occupied by two people, and then multiplying that number by the average number of nights they stay.

The rodeo was among the first events to transform Las Vegas into a vacation destination, Powers said.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association plans to expand its presence in Las Vegas and may even host a second annual rodeo here, said PRCA Commissioner Steve Hatchell.

"We'll have a permanent presence in Las Vegas after the first of the year. We want to do more in the community," Hatchell said.

About 170,000 tickets are sold for the 10-day event; most are gone months in advance. More than 90 percent of the tickets go to out-of-towners.

There are still some "premium" tickets for $2,500, but even most of those sold fast.

About 25 local resorts broadcast the rodeo in the sports books via a live satellite television feed.

There are also lots of auxiliary events designed to entertain and placate fans who couldn't get in to the rodeo.