By H. Wadowski
Home to the country’s premier equestrian facility—the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center and Priefert Pavilion—off-Strip rodeo favorite South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa will host several complimentary events during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
In fact, the NFR excitement begins a couple of days earlier at South Point when Michael Gaughan, ProRodeo Hall of Famer and owner and operator of South Point, will be honored as the 2017 ProRodeo Legend at the 10th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on December 4. On December 5 the resort will host the Gold Carpet “Walk of Champions.” The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s welcome reception celebrates the start of the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and features appearances by competitors from this year’s event.
World Champion Tie-Down Roper Caleb Smidt and family at the 2016 Gold Carpet “Walk of Champions”
South Point will then welcome back the best of the best following each day’s competitions for the National Finals Rodeo Buckle Ceremonies. Taking place December 7 through 15 at 11 p.m., fans can watch the nightly go-round winner in each of the seven NFR events receive their prized buckle and review the night’s action with hosts Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley.
For those eager to see some rodeo action live, the third richest equestrian event and the richest team roping event in the world returns to the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center and Priefert Pavilion December 10 through 17: The Priefert World Series of Team Roping. Audiences can watch as some of the best team ropers from across the country compete for more than $10 million in purse money.
South Point Exhibit Hall will be showcasing the CINCH Western Gift Show, December 7 through 17, where rodeo fans can find vendors from around the country selling their Western-style goods. Perfect for last-minute holiday shopping, visitors will discover everything from apparel and jewelry to art and decorations.
The Showroom at South Point will be hosting free nightly entertainment during the rodeo as well, starting with the NFR Kick Off Party on December 6 with Sierra Black. The country singer will return for another can’t-miss performance on December 12. Other country artists scheduled to perform include Aaron Watson December 7 through 11 and Cody Johnson December 13 through 16.
In addition to all of the rodeo-themed entertainment, South Point’s Italian restaurant, Don Vito’s, will convert into a steakhouse during NFR to cure any cowboy-sized hunger pangs. Guests can enjoy Silverado Steak House’s full menu as well as a few of Don Vito’s signature Italian dishes.
Are you looking to travel to Las Vegas to attend the rodeo? Book your trip now at allegiant.com! For more information on everything South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has to offer during NFR, visit vegascowboycentral.com.
