Friday, June 14, 2002 | 9:32 a.m.
At a glance
Each December, the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center has been as tough a ticket as the NCAA Final Four or a Madonna concert.
This year's NFR, set for Dec. 6-15, is sold out, just as it has been the last 17 years, leaving most local rodeo fans in the dust.
But for the last three years, the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Cup Finale that started Thursday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena has brought in the same caliber of cowboys as the NFR -- albeit without the same demand for tickets.
The Finale serves as the winter championship for the Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour, featuring performers such as six-time world champion calf roper and all-around cowboy Fred Whitfield, eight-time world champion calf roper and all-around cowboy Joe Beaver and 10-time world champion barrel racer Charmayne James.
"I think it's only a matter of getting the people in Las Vegas to realize the caliber of this event is exactly the same as the caliber of National Finals Rodeo," PRCA communications director Steve Fleming said. "I think once they understand that, this thing will really boom.
"It is a great event with the very best guys and the very best animals."
This is the final year of a three-year contract between the PRCA and the MGM Grand to hold the Finale at the Grand Garden Arena.
Despite interest in the Finale not being on a level with the NFR, PRCA commissioner Steven Hatchell has begun discussions with the hotel to keep the event here for another three years.
"They have been more than just a site," Hatchell said. "They have been partners in our growth and development.
"They have been friends. Our intent would be to stay with them. We have to make it good all the way around. Good for them, good for us. It's such a quality place to be and in a wonderful city. All the combinations are right so we intend to be here for the next three years."
MGM Grand director of sports & promotions Scott Ghertner estimated that ticket sales for the Finale, with a capacity of about 9,500, were up 20 percent for opening night from last year. Sales for the final two nights remain about the same.
Ghertner said the MGM Grand has been pleased with the event and hopes to continue as host.
A similar event is held in Dallas each October that lasts for five days instead of three.
Also known as the Texas Stampede, Hatchell said the Finale in Dallas sells out because there is a larger rodeo following there.
He wasn't discouraged, however, by the smaller Las Vegas turnout.
"We're thrilled," Hatchell said. "Obviously, we'd love for it to be sold out.
"This is world champions on great stock in a format that's as fast-paced as you'll find at any rodeo, including the NFR."
Hatchell said the parties are examining the possibility of having the Finale in May, a dead period in rodeo, instead of June.
"We're discussing whether or not it's the right time for both parties," Hatchell said. "The MGM Grand Garden Arena is not available all of the time because they're very busy with all of the other events they have here.
"That's why we're seeing if our schedule works with theirs."
Over the next three-year period, Hatchell anticipates the PRCA will experience tremendous growth spearheaded by new TV contracts.
Currently, TNN broadcasts the winter tour and winter tour Finales while ESPN and ESPN 2 have the rights to the summer tour, summer tour Finales and the NFR.
Since Hatchell became commissioner in 1998, the PRCA has gone from being on television 38 hours a year to more than 130 hours with 52 shows shown in prime time. The total audience has increased to 50 million.
Without revealing details, Hatchell said the PRCA will announce its amended television contracts in two to three weeks when everything is final.
"Our next package will be much larger," Hatchell said. "It'll be more of the tours and involve more events such as timed event championships and other things that we might not have had before.
"We'll have expanded coverage of existing rodeos. More varied coverage and be on a 10-12 month basis as opposed to the eight months we're presently in."
Other possible changes to the PRCA include adding another finale and getting more sponsors.
Thursday's first-round highlights:
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