LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is back in Las Vegas for its 40th year, offering a much-needed boost to the local economy amid a tourism slowdown.
The event, which has evolved into more than just a rodeo, is expected to generate $200 million in economic impact.
Ryan Growney, general manager at South Point, highlighted the transformation NFR has brought to December in Las Vegas, saying, “People don’t remember 40 years ago in December, December was dead in Las Vegas, close the showrooms, clean the carpet, lay off people. Rodeo comes, and all of a sudden, look what it did for December in general.
The event will feature over 150,000 fans at the Thomas and Mack Center and numerous events at South Point Arena, including the National Finals Breakaway Roping Championship.
MORE ON NEWS 3 | 61st Academy of Country Music Awards returns to Las Vegas in 2026
Darcie Wiltse, owner of Blaze and Bling, noted the significance of NFR for her business, stating, “NFR has been our biggest show of the year. If I could do four of these shows, I wouldn’t have to work so hard the rest of the year.”
Steve Kenyon, a rodeo announcer for the Cowboy Channel, emphasized the importance of Las Vegas to NFR, describing it as a “symbiotic relationship.”
Despite concerns about a potential slowdown, Wiltse expects to do 60% of her annual business during the event.
Meanwhile, Growney mentioned that his 3,100 employees at South Point will be working non-stop, resulting in significant overtime.
