Before the dust could settle in Las Vegas from the thundering excitement of the 2013 National Finals Rodeo, debates arose surrounding the future of the prestigious event.
At the end of negotiations, the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors unanimously voted on January 24 to keep the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas through 2024. The new agreement will take effect following the 2014 NFR.
The Wrangler NFR is the richest rodeo in the world, hosting the top 15 contestants in team roping, barrel racing, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding.
Several Paints have frequented the Wrangler NFR throughout the years, including Colby Lovell’s Smooth Mother Tucker, Brad Culpepper’s Stetonsgoldenjewel and Kory Koontz’s Hickory Doc Flyer. At the 2013 NFR, Pine Time Boogie, a 2001 brown solid stallion by Pine Time and our of Tender Moments, helped Trevor Brazile [link: trevorbrazile.com] clinch an unprecedented 19th world championship title, coming in team roping.
Pine Time Boogie helped Trevor Brazile earn his 19th world championship title at the 2013 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. | PRCA ProRodeo Photo by Mike Copeman
Per the new agreement, Las Vegas Events will guarantee $16.5 million annually in purse and sponsorship for the Wrangler NFR, with funds benefitting contestants as well as stock contractors. Contestants will be guaranteed $10,000 in purse money each year, which will not be offset by contestant winnings. From 2020 through 2024, there will be cost-of-living increases to each purse and guarantee.
The agreement also contains a season-long sponsorship program with the PRCA, including the presentation of several circuit finals rodeos.
“Perhaps the best aspect of this agreement is that it benefits every PRCA member: contestants, stock contractors, committees and contract personnel,” PRCA Chairman of the Board Keith Martin said. “There is an investment here to advance the PRCA’s circuit system and help the sport continue to grow.”
For more information on the Wrangler NFR, visit NFRexperience.com or prorodeo.com.
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