Of course, the NFR attracts cowboys from coast to coast with hot rodeo action, but the event has come to mean much more than just bull riding and calf roping. Prize Buckles Cowboys and cowgirls gather at the Gold Coast each night after the rodeo for the NFR Buckle Presentations as buckles are awarded to the individual event winners. The presentations offer a golden opportunity to see the rodeo stars close up. For the third year in a row, the Rio hosts its star-studded Justin vs. Wrangler Celebrity Blackjack Tournament on its main casino floor. The charity was established to provide financial support to injured rodeo participants in their time of need.
Admission is free.
You can't have a rodeo without a barbecue, and the NFR is no exception. Several hotels offer veritable feasts to hungry cowpokes. Boomtown welcomes Rudy Mikeska's World Famous Taylor Texas BBQ from noon-2 a.m. Binion's Horseshoe's Texas Deep Pit Barbecue runs from 6-11 p.m. through Dec. 14 at the intersection of 1st and Fremont. Check out this PRCA-sponsored gift show for NFR and PRCA souvenirs.