During the first part of December, Las Vegas braces for the best of the rodeo world to come to town. The National Finals Rodeo is making its 22nd appearance here in Las Vegas and has become a staple of the December calendar. This rodeo is like the world series of rodeo and all the best cowboys show up every year to compete for the largest cash prizes. There will be competitions like bareback riding, barrel racing, calf roping and, of course, bull riding.
As you walk through the casinos you will see a sea of cowboy hats. Many of the cowboys stay at the Goldcoast Hotel and Casino, which has traditionally been the spot for after-parties during the event. This year the buckle presentations will take place at the Southpoint Casino and Hotel at 11:00pm each night after the show.
This year the rodeo starts on December 6 and runs through December 15. All of the rodeos take place at the Thomas and Mack center on the UNLV campus and start at 6:45 pm. The bull riding is usually the last event of the night. During the first week of the event there will also be a Miss Rodeo America Pageant that will take place at the Orleans Hotel and Casino on Saturday, December 8th from 9:45-12:00.
With the rodeos starting in the evening, this gives the visitors a chance to play some of the many golf courses in Las Vegas. A great golf course to try would be the Badlands Golf Club. This golf course has a very western feel to it and is considered one of the toughest golf courses in the city. Or you might want to try Stallion Mountain which even has saddles to rest your clubs on at the driving range.
Any way you plan your time, the National Finals Rodeo is always one of the most exciting times of the year here in Las Vegas. Just don't forget to bring your sticks and play some golf in Las Vegas!
