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Rodeo & results

NFR 2026 opening acts & anthem singers

The nightly arena lineup, with clear distinctions between theme nights, opening presentations and separate concerts.

NFR Streaming guidesReviewed November 12, 20263 min read
Original editorial illustration of a saddle bronc rider under warm arena lights
Original AI-generated editorial illustration · not an event photograph

See who opens your round

The organizer’s 2026 opening calendar names a presentation and national anthem performer for each night. These appearances take place within the arena program; they are separate from the full concerts happening at hotels around the city. Check your ticket date against the round below.

Opening lineup by night

03December 2026
Thursday
Round 1

Vegas Night / Celebrating America 250

National anthemHadlie Jo

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
04December 2026
Friday
Round 2

Ned LeDoux

National anthemBryce Leatherwood

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
05December 2026
Saturday
Round 3

Chancey Williams

National anthemCaden Gillard

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
06December 2026
Sunday
Round 4

Anne Martinez

National anthemA.R. Simmons

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
07December 2026
Monday
Round 5

Shea Fisher-Durfey

National anthemPeyton Grace

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
08December 2026
Tuesday
Round 6

Blue Man Group

National anthemJustin Till

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
09December 2026
Wednesday
Round 7

Ron Remke

National anthemWalker Montgomery

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
10December 2026
Thursday
Round 8

Supaman

National anthemMorgan Klaiber (Canada); Beck Bridger Dahmke (U.S.)

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
11December 2026
Friday
Round 9

Presley Barker

National anthemGunnar Latham

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗
12December 2026
Saturday
Final round

Gold Night presentation

National anthemKalsey Kulyk

5:45 p.m.Pacific · Las Vegas
8:45 p.m.Eastern time
Thomas & Mack CenterPlan your visit ↗

Golden Night and Gold Night

The December 5 performance is Golden Night featuring the Golden Circle of Champions, with Chancey Williams listed as the opening act. The December 12 final has a Gold Night opening presentation and the performance title Wrangler National Patriot Night. These similar labels refer to different dates and parts of the program.

Arrive in time for the opening

The rodeo is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Pacific. Reach the venue early enough for screening and your walk to the seat. The published doors are 4 p.m. for Cowboy Corral and Cowboy+ Bar entrances and 4:15 p.m. for the main entrance. Use the current entry guide and allow extra time if accessibility assistance is needed.

Television coverage and separate concerts

Cowboy Channel and Cowboy+ are the official viewing routes for the rodeo, but coverage of a particular opening segment depends on the broadcaster’s program. Check the live guide if an anthem or artist is your priority. An artist listed here may also perform a different concert at another venue; that concert can require a separate ticket. See the nightlife guide for examples.

Military Night, Canadian Night and championship-night details

December 9: Military Night

The Round 7 opening calendar lists Ron Remke for the opening and Walker Montgomery for the anthem. Military Night is the performance theme; it is not a separate concert ticket or an alternative start time.

December 10: Canadian Night

The Round 8 listing separates two national anthems: Morgan Klaiber for Canada and Beck Bridger Dahmke for the United States. Supaman is the opening act. That separation prevents the opening artist from being mistaken for either anthem performer.

December 12: the final round

The final performance is Wrangler National Patriot Night, with a Gold Night opening presentation and Kalsey Kulyk listed for the anthem. Do not confuse that final-night production with December 5’s Golden Night featuring the Golden Circle of Champions.

Your questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

When does Blue Man Group appear?

The current arena opening calendar lists December 8, Round 6.

When does Ned LeDoux open?

December 4, Round 2.

Who performs on Canadian Night?

Supaman is listed for the opening. Morgan Klaiber and Beck Bridger Dahmke are listed for the Canadian and U.S. anthems respectively.

Does an arena ticket include a hotel concert?

No assumption of inclusion should be made. Each separate event has its own admission.

Will every opening act be streamed?

Check the broadcaster’s listing; the event’s opening calendar alone does not guarantee coverage of each segment.

Sources & checking details

Official nightly ceremony calendar ↗Arena doors and entry ↗

Reviewed for this rebuild on November 12, 2026. Schedules, prices, inventory and service terms can change. Confirm final details directly with the organizer or provider.