Rodeo’s pact with LV extended to 2007

Wednesday, March 25, 1998 | 9:52 a.m.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has extended its contract for the National Finals Rodeo through 2007 with three option years.

The action concluded months of negotiations for the 10-day gathering of the world's best riders and ropers between Las Vegas Events, which coordinates the rodeo, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which had considered other locations for the rodeo.

Approval of the rodeo, hailed as a major generator of tourism during a traditionally slack time of year, sets in motion a $32 million renovation project at the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium. Following Tuesday's vote to approve the contract, the LVCVA board authorized a $5 million grant -- its contribution to projects at the two stadiums.

Improvements at the Thomas & Mack, the indoor arena at which the rodeo is conducted, were contingent upon extension of the NFR contract. Between now and December's rodeo, contractors will build a new tunnel to the arena floor that will allow the stadium to be expanded by 500 seats for each of the 10 rodeo performances.

The annual impact of the rodeo on the Southern Nevada economy: $1 billion.