National Finals Rodeo: The big show

Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 | 10:39 a.m.

The growth and popularity of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has mirrored that of Las Vegas.

For the 20th year, the NFR's showcase event will give visitors to the entertainment capital of the world a uniquely Western option, and Las Vegas is expected to reap an economic windfall of more than $50 million in non-gaming revenue from the rodeo.

The numbers on all sides of the event are staggering, as the total purse for the finest cowboys and cowgirls has jumped from nearly $1.8 million at that first NFR, in 1985, to $5.1 million this year.

Over the 10 days of competition last year, 176,625 fans attended the NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center, and the rodeo has sold out 180 consecutive performances.

Pat Christensen, president of the organization, Las Vegas Events, that played an instrumental role in snatching the event from Oklahoma City, said the NFR has impacted Las Vegas on "almost too many levels to count."

"Literally overnight, it transformed December business here," he said. "It also brought many people to Las Vegas for the first time, and they instantly fell in love with the city and became repeat visitors."

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and chief executive officer Rossi Ralenkotter said the relationship between the NFR and Las Vegas has been wonderful, that more than 250,000 people descend on the city to enjoy the rodeo and all of its ancillary activities.

"Looking back over the years," Ralenkotter said, "we're proud to say that the world's premier rodeo has found a home in the world's premier resort destination."

For the first time in the NFR's 46-year history, three of its 10 days of competition will be broadcast live on television, as the second and ninth rounds will be aired on ESPN2, and the 10th and final round will be shown on ESPN on Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

More than 10 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch more than 44 total hours of coverage on ESPN or ESPN2.

Trevor Brazile will once again be a main attraction on those shows as he attempts to become the first cowboy to win three consecutive all-around belts since Ty Murray pulled off the hat trick from 1989-91.

Will Lowe, the bareback rider who has remained on top of his event since he dominated the season and the NFR in 2002 -- when he got married in Las Vegas -- and steer roper Guy Allen will also demand attention at the Mack.

Others to watch include:

However, four-time world champion Billy Etbauer and Cody DeMoss, who enters Vegas in third place, will give Hay a run for the crown.