The NFR has been drawing 'sell out' crowds since the late '70s, when I used to see it at the dome of the old Las Vegas Convention Center. For the past twenty years the Rodeo has been filling the seats of the Thomas and Mack arena.
For fourteen days of fun events, from December 1-14, we'll see, and some of us will become, cowboys and cowgirls. Stetsons and boots will be seen everywhere. Showroom and lounge headliners will be country and western stars.
The NFR is the World Series of rodeo. Events such as saddle bronc and bareback riding, calf and team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull riding are featured, and if you can't get into the Thomas and Mack for an event, don't pout. You can see it live on TV or watch re-runs in just about every sports book in town.
More than fifty thousand folks are expected to visit town for the Rodeo, as usual, but locals have always been attracted to the event, and they have made it a family affair when they go to watch the events.