THE OPENING LINE

Monday, Nov. 27, 2006 | 7:19 a.m.

COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS

The 48th annual National Finals Rodeo begins Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center, so that's why you've been seeing all of those cowboy boots and Stetsons around town recently.

If you live near the Mack or have driven by it over the last few days, the unmistakable whiff has already alerted you to the fact that the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association's premier event is back for a 22nd consecutive year.

Not coincidentally, the NFR doled out $1 million in prize money for the first time in 1985, the first year the Mack played host to the 10 days of rodeo championship events. In 1988 $2 million was won for the first time, and larger standards were set in 1995 ($3 million), 1998 ($4 million) and 2005 ($5 million).

That growth can be attributed to the popularity of the NFR (just try to find a ticket over the next two weeks) and ever-expanding television coverage on ESPN and ESPN2.

A bull rider from Wisconsin? That's what you'll see in B.J. Schumacher, who enters the NFR in fourth place. He's the one wearing the black helmet for protection. He won't be the only cheesehead in the event, either, as Fred Boettcher just nudged into Las Vegas at 15th in the standings.

Keep an eye on the talented young bareback rider Will Lowe and Luke Branquinho, a bulldogger (steer wrestler) from Los Alamos, Calif. Trevor Brazile, of Decatur, Texas, always warrants attention as a favorite for all-around honors.

The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in seven events qualified for the NFR. Money can be won for each of the 10 rounds and also for overall standing at the end of the rodeo. The NFR ends Dec. 9.

Of the many side events related to the NFR, two of the most popular are the nightly buckle awards at the Fremont Street Experience and the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

THIS WEEK'S BEST BET

Northern Arizona at UNLV, College basketball, 3 p.m. Saturday, at St. George, Utah

Up for a Saturday afternoon drive to Utah? This is an odd home game for the Rebels, who are annually forced out of their home at the Thomas & Mack Center because of the rodeo. Dixie State students will be able to show up at Burns Arena and still cheer for a Rebels team.

TICKETS: $12 to $28

ON THE WEB: www.unlvtickets.com

ALSO WORTH A LOOK

Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling, 4 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Star of the Desert Arena in Primm

The 25th annual grappling tournament features Air Force, Arizona State, Harvard, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State and Oregon State among the 42 participating programs. The arena is adjacent to Buffalo Bill's .

TICKETS: All-session, adults $35 and students $25; preliminary rounds, adults $12 and students $8; championship finals, adults $14 and students $10.

ON THE WEB: www.cklvwrestle.com