A separate championship for young competitors
The YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo runs December 3–12, 2026 in Las Vegas. The organizer describes more than 700 youth contestants competing for over $1 million in combined cash and prizes. It is a youth championship with age divisions and event-specific formats, separate from the professional evening NFR at Thomas & Mack.
Find the right arena
For 2026, the Junior NFR’s Wrangler Rodeo Arena is in a tent across from the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall. Older guides that place the competition on an upper floor may describe a previous arrangement. Use the current venue map and entry directions before leaving your hotel.
Events and competition format
The program covers youth roughstock and timed events, with offerings such as bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down, breakaway, barrel racing and pole bending represented through the event’s divisions and partners. The final session, age class and qualification rules depend on the specific discipline.
Some divisions use multiple go-rounds, aggregate results and a final round. Do not assume a professional NFR format applies to every youth class. A family attending for one athlete should confirm the athlete’s discipline, age group and session directly from the official schedule.
Schedule and tickets
Open the Junior NFR site’s Schedule and ticket information for the day you want. Day sessions and final sessions can have different rules, seating options and prices. We do not publish an unverified admission price. Free Cowboy Christmas admission does not establish Junior NFR arena access.
Allow time to find the tent, pass any admission checkpoint and choose a seat. If you also hold a professional NFR ticket for the evening, leave a comfortable transport buffer rather than staying until the last possible minute.
Watching from home
Check the official Junior NFR schedule and event partner for any stream listing. The professional NFR’s Cowboy+ Annual inclusion does not automatically prove that every youth session is included. If no stream is listed for a discipline, use official results, recaps and contestant updates rather than an unverified social-media video link.
A family-friendly day plan
- Check the exact session and arena entrance before arriving.
- Bring what your family needs within the current venue rules.
- Allow food and rest breaks between events.
- Protect hearing when appropriate and choose seats with a clear view.
- Keep shopping and arena tickets separate so you know what each purchase includes.
- For competitors, obtain current stalls, check-in and health requirements directly from the organizers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Junior NFR the same as Junior World Finals?
The event has used Junior World Finals branding in earlier years. Use the current YETI Junior NFR site for this year’s program.
When is Junior NFR 2026?
December 3–12, 2026; individual disciplines have their own sessions.
Where is the arena?
In the Wrangler Rodeo Arena tent across from the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall.
Are tickets included with Cowboy Christmas?
Do not assume inclusion. The Junior NFR has its own admission information.
Can I stream every session?
Only a current official listing establishes stream access. Check the discipline and session separately.
Is it suitable for families?
It is a youth rodeo event and can suit a family outing; plan for crowd levels, sound and session length.
How do athletes qualify?
Qualification and age-division rules are event-specific. Contact the listed organizer or qualifier partner.
Sources & checking details
Official Junior NFR website ↗Official Junior NFR news ↗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.
