James Hatch

When rodeo fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center for the return of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo? they will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy prior to and following each rodeo performance. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 16.

For ease of travel, rodeo fans have the option of utilizing the complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 26 sponsor hotel properties and The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. Upon arrival, fans will be greeted with rodeo-themed areas extending both outside the arena and within the confines of the building.

On the outer grounds of the Thomas & Mack Center, the ProRodeo Zone will greet fans with PRCA sponsor-activation tents and live music. As fans move toward the entrance, they will pass through the StubHub Fan Zone, an area that includes additional sponsor tents, the official ProRodeo and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailer, food and beverage options, video screens and tables for attendees to congregate.

Further enhancing the fan experience, two outdoor video boards on the face of the arena will broadcast Wrangler NFR moments, highlight videos, interactive content and contestant interviews.

When rodeo fans enter the building, one of the arena’s highlights is the 36,000-square-foot hospitality area at the northwest end of the arena. The all-new Cowboy Channel Bar will feature a saloon and a 2,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed balcony with Strip views. The Cowboy Channel will host the NFR Pre-Show starting at 5 p.m. and the NFR Post-Show immediately following the end of the performance each night. An additional highlight will be an all-encompassing exhibit detailing the 37-year history of the NFR in Las Vegas. Access to The Cowboy Channel Bar is available to all fans with a Wrangler NFR ticket for that evening’s performance and also will feature the live broadcast of the rodeo each night, including a large-screen projection.

Meanwhile, on the arena’s southeast side opposite The Cowboy Channel Bar, fans can enjoy all the activities and amenities of the returning Cowboy Corral, which takes over the adjacent Cox Pavilion with live music, a huge bar and plenty of space to sit and relax or kick up your heels. The live entertainment will include pre and post-event performances by Will Jones (Dec. 7-9), Mae Estes (Dec. 10-11), Old Hickory (Dec. 12-14) and Wyatt McCubbin (Dec. 15-16). Doors open at 4 pm with live music starting at 4:45 pm.

Sitting right outside of Cowboy Corral is the Bull & Barrel Saloon, featuring its own bar and food service and the Hall of Champions with tributes to former NFR champions.

The entertainment will continue throughout the evening as fans begin to settle into their seats. Prior to each performance, there will be an opening act, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The attention will then turn to the dirt, as the best contestants in the world test their skills and seek the coveted Gold Buckle, awarded to the world champions.

The Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit nfrstreaming.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Bob Wiley, a renowned figure who made five impressive appearances at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in tie-down roping between 1961 and 1965, sadly passed away on August 19th at the age of 87.

Wiley’s rodeo career reached its pinnacle in 1963 when he earned the title of reserve world champion at the NFR in Los Angeles. The world champion during that year was the esteemed ProRodeo Hall of Famer, Dean Oliver.

In the following year, 1964, Wiley secured fifth place in the world standings, narrowly missing out on the top spot, which was claimed by the legendary ProRodeo Hall of Famer, Jim Bob Altizer.

Beyond his rodeo accomplishments, Bob Wiley went on to have a distinguished career in law enforcement. For nearly 24 years, he dutifully served as the Sheriff of Tulare County, California.

During his tenure as sheriff, from 1967 to 1991, a detention facility north of Visalia was named in his honor, known as the “Bob Wiley Detention Facility.”

Wiley’s roots in athleticism began at Kingsburg High School, where he excelled in both football and track. In these sports, he even had the opportunity to compete alongside Rafer Johnson, who would later go on to win the decathlon gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

After high school, Bob Wiley continued to pursue football, playing for Porterville College. In one memorable game against Reedley College, Wiley’s remarkable performance saw him gain 275 yards, ultimately earning him a place on the Little All-America team.

His time at Porterville College was pivotal, as it marked the start of his rodeo career, alongside his role as Tulare County’s sheriff. Wiley delved into calf roping, now known as tie-down roping, beginning in 1956 and clinching his first tie-down roping victory in 1957.

Balancing the roles of an extra-help deputy and a rodeo cowboy at PC was no small feat, but Wiley’s determination was unwavering.

By May 1965, he had earned recognition in the Porterville area, not only as an extra-help deputy but also as a calf roper, competing across the state, country, and even in Canada.

Wiley’s rodeo journey took him to prestigious events such as Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming and the Calgary Stampede. Even after retiring as sheriff in 1991, he continued to participate in a few senior rodeos and generously shared his expertise by teaching young riders the art of roping.

Wiley’s influence extended beyond rodeo and law enforcement. He also served as the president of the California State Sheriffs’ Association. His multifaceted experiences caught the attention of Pulitzer Prize-winning sports columnist Red Smith, who penned a syndicated column for The New York Times in 1972, highlighting Wiley’s incredible ability to balance his rodeo pursuits with his sheriff responsibilities.

Under Bob Wiley’s leadership, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) operated an inmate farm that produced corn and onions, while also raising swine and maintaining a livestock farm. Additionally, TCSO was one of the pioneering departments to introduce K-9 units, boasting up to 10 highly-trained dogs during Wiley’s tenure.

Bob Wiley’s legacy as a rodeo star, law enforcement leader, and community contributor will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.