Rodeo begins 10-day run in Las Vegas

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 | 12:07 a.m.

National Finals Rodeo

Dec. 4, 2008 -- Bullfighter helps keep rodeo competitors safe
Dec. 3, 2008 -- For fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year
Feb. 29, 2008 -- Why the National Finals Rodeo isn’t likely to leave Las Vegas

NFR Official site

It’s been 50 years since the National Finals Rodeo got its start in 1959, and Las Vegas gets to enjoy the anniversary celebration beginning today.

The NFR pits the top contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding. The NFR boasts an attendance of about 175,000 spectators to its finals, which is a 10-night rodeo marathon.

The event will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center through Dec. 13. Over the next two weeks, riders will compete for $5.625 million in prizes.

Many eyes will find their way to Trevor Brazile, who took gold buckles in steer roping, tie-down roping and all-around last year. Brazile, the only competitor qualified in more than one event this year, could become the fourth man to win six or more all-around gold buckles in NFR history.

Perhaps even better, he needs just more than $120,000 to become NFR’s first $3 million cowboy.

The action begins with the first performance at 6:45 p.m. tonight at the Thomas & Mack.