Rodeo expected to draw 170,000

Friday, Dec. 7, 2001 | 11:10 a.m.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's National Finals Rodeo opens in Las Vegas tonight with more than 170,000 people expected to attend the event's 10 performances through Dec. 15.

The rodeo, sponsored by Wrangler, a western wear brand of Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corp., will draw 117 contestants vying for a record $4.6 million in prize money. Fifty-three stock contractors are bringing 200 bucking horses and 100 bulls to be used in each performance's eight rodeo events.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates the non-gaming economic impact of the rodeo on the city will be $34.4 million, down from the $38.7 million estimated last year. The economic impact is off because the city's average room rate is lower this year than last in response to the tourism downturn caused by the terrorist attacks.

The rodeo, staged at the Thomas & Mack Center, is sold out. During past rodeos, hotel occupancy has run between 80 percent and 85 percent -- stronger than the December occupancy average, but below averages posted in other months.

Because of the rodeo's distinctive western flavor, the city's entertainment venues take on a new personality with the nation's top country singers and groups appearing in resort show rooms.