More Rodeo Events Planned at the Core Arena during NFR
Home to downtown Las Vegas’ only outdoor equestrian center, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will host live viewing parties, a horse sale and the Rodeo Fashion and Western Arts Expo
LAS VEGAS – Proud to bring the western legacy back to downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will again serve as the official host hotel for the Junior World Finals and a hotel partner of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) with a record number of rodeo events scheduled across the entire property, including in its outdoor equestrian facility, the Core Arena, Dec. 5-14.
The Core Arena will offer three outdoor arenas where 500 of rodeo’s future stars will compete in various competitions, including barrel racing, mini bulls, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down and breakaway roping. Specific events include:
- Junior American and the Patriot Team Roping and Steer Wrestling (Dec. 5-13)
- Las Vegas Stars Tie-Down and Breakaway (Dec. 6-13)
- International Miniature Bullriders Association (Dec. 4-8)
For the second year, the Rodeo Fashion and Western Arts Expo takes over the Plaza’s fully updated and downtown’s largest ballroom from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Dec. 5-14. The carefully curated shopping event features a diverse array of apparel and accessory designers, artisans, jewelers and Western couture from more 75 Western industry vendors, including its top makers and trend setters. The expo showcases exclusive products and has become a marquee part of the annual rodeo experience in Las Vegas.
The Plaza will also again host the Diamonds in the Desert Premier Horse Sale in its showroom on Thursday, Dec. 12 at noon. The public as well as horse brokers and buyers from across the country are invited to attend the sale that will feature live and online bidding on 75 performance horses of all disciplines.
NFR enthusiasts can also attend the free Rodeo for a Reason NFR Watch Party hosted by famed rodeo announcer Johnny Dudley, Dec. 5-14 from 7 to 9 p.m., inside the Plaza’s showroom. The family-friendly watch party will offer nightly prizes and giveaways, including a custom Bullseye saddle, as well as special guest appearances. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Plaza will also offer free shuttle service to and from the NFR evening events at Thomas & Mack Center.
New this year, the Plaza and Bull West Live have partnered to hold a bull sale on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Fifteen of the top pre-classic three-year-old bucking bulls in the nation were hand-selected and will be matched up with 15 elite buyers to go head to head in an auction format for preferred selection. The bulls will be sold to compete for over $1.6 million in prizes during the 2020 season.
During NFR, the Core Arena will again offer 200-plus equine stalls, including the largest stalls in the city. Coupled with 24-hour onsite security and veterinarian services, the Plaza makes it easy for rodeo participants and enthusiasts to “kiss their horses goodnight,” knowing their animals will be safe while they enjoy their evening just steps away playing on the casino floor or having a delicious steak dinner at Oscar’s Steakhouse.
With nearly 170,000 people attending the NFR last year, the Plaza is creating unmatched reasons for more people to come to downtown Las Vegas during the industry’s biggest event. Multiple events at the Core Arena coupled with free viewing parties, live entertainment, RFWA Expo, complimentary shuttles and numerous food and drink specials sets the Plaza apart as the place to be for NFR and the property leading the resurgence of the western legacy in downtown Las Vegas. To learn more, visit: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/nfr/.
About the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling and personal customer service for the ultimate Vegas experience. First opened in 1971 and built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot, the Plaza has nearly 1,000 renovated rooms and suites, a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall, and 30,000 sq. ft. of refurbished ballroom and meeting space. Larger outdoor events are hosted at the Plaza’s Core Arena, downtown’s only equestrian and multipurpose facility. Guests enjoy a variety of dining options led by the renowned Oscar’s Steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. A new race & sports book along with hundreds of slot machines and nearly two dozen table games comprise an 80,000-square-foot casino floor. A fully renovated rooftop pool and recreation deck, complete with private cabanas, hot tub, food truck, tennis court and dedicated Pickleball courts, provide a variety of outdoor amenities. For more information on the multiple award-winning Plaza Hotel & Casino, visit www.plazahotelcasino.com. Get updates via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.