Mark Anthony

Opening Acts for 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Announced

September 19, 2022 By Admin

Yes, my friends, it’s almost that time of the year. And this year looks to be one of the biggest and best ever. Las Vegas is again, home to the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Events and Cowboy Revival announced today the list of Opening Acts for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®. The annual showcase is scheduled for Dec. 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Each of the entertainers will perform prior to the rodeo competition getting underway and will include a variety of production elements, including pyrotechnics, lasers, an interactive stage, and full-arena LED and video board supporting graphics. All Opening Acts are presented by Cowboy Revival.

The full list of Opening Acts includes:

Thursday, Dec. 1 – Vegas Night
Friday, Dec. 2 – Luke Bryan (also performing at The Theatre at Resorts World on Dec. 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10)
Saturday, Dec. 3 – Lainey Wilson (also performing at Rodeo Vegas at The Mirage on Dec. 2)
Sunday, Dec. 4 – Adrian Brannan (Memorial Night)
Monday, Dec. 5 – Chancey Williams (also performing at the South Point Showroom on Dec. 1-3)
Tuesday, Dec. 6 – Ben Gallaher (also performing at Cowboy Revival at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Dec. 6)
Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Steve Amerson (Military Night)
Thursday, Dec. 8 – Joe Nichols (also performing at Cowboy Revival at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Dec. 9)
Friday, Dec. 9 – Heath Sanders (also performing at Cowboy Revival at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Dec. 10)
Saturday, Dec. 10 – Gold Night in Vegas

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, 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 2021, the event had a total attendance of 169,539 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 340 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 prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

About Las Vegas Events
Founded in 1983, Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization funded by hotel room tax. Through its Signature Event initiative, LVE has created a model to integrate all elements of special events and formally improve communication between event producers and Las Vegas’ hotel properties and sponsors. Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 800 events.
www.lasvegasevents.com

About the Wrangler NFR
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in PRCA PRORODEO competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the PRCA | RAM World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR.
www.prorodeo.com

Courtesy of NFRExperience.com

Jess Lockwood Claims Second PBR World Championship Title

November 11, 2019 By Admin

We always end the PBR season saying “well, that was one for the books”. This year was really one of those years that people will be talking about for the next few years! The injuries, the new tours, the new players and of course, the young guns that made it to the top while many of the old familiar players sank out of sight or just never made it to the finals.

Reminding some of us of “the good old days” when the top bull riders in las Vegas for the World Finals had to have an escort to get into the celebrations because they were held in a place that served alcohol!

Jess Lockwood Does it Again

Not that it really matters what else happened this year at the 2019 PBR World Finals, the only thing most people will remember was that a young kid named Jess Lockwood came into T-Mobile Arena full of piss n vinegar and walked away with the girl, a check for $1 million (World Champion) and a check for $300,000 (event winner). Oh, yea, and a belt buckle naming him the new king of the PBR cowboys for the second time. At 22, it makes him the youngest two-timer in the history of the sport.

Making it look easy

Maybe its time for jess Lockwood to have his own theme song. Maybe he can borrow one from another former young gun who seems to be out of service more than he is in service these days.. Umm… yea. A theme song for Jess.

His scores for the 5 ride events were 86.5, 91.5, 92, 91.75 and 91.25. Yes, he was the only rider to cover all his bulls.

Looking at his numbers, you knew he was here to ride and to win. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok, maybe also to kiss the girl in the middle of the area holding $1.3 million in checks…

He Gets The Girl Too!

Being a cowboy themed event, how else can a fairytale World Finals end without the cowboy riding off with the girl. In this case, its 2018 NFR Barrel Racing Champion and the newly married Miss Jess Lockwood. A.K.A Hailey Kinsel. Married on October 25, 2019

In Other World Final Highlights….

Congratulations Robson Polermo

The Three-time World Finals event winner and native of Rio Branco, Brazil, came into the 2019 World Finals as an American Citizen!

In the opening ceremonies of Round One, the Three-time World Finals event winner stood atop the Can-Am Cage holding the American flag, hat over his heart and emotion in his eyes. While waving the American Flag – Palermo received his citizenship just one week ago, on Oct. 31

Thank You Tom Donoghue for the photos!

Editors Note:

This post was written by Mark Anthony. Don’t blame Jason for any spelling errors or story content!

Please Do Not read This, Thank You

December 10, 2016 By Admin

We interrupt your facebook reading to see what’s new at The Rodeo Roundup – We Are about to start round 10 of the Wrangler national Rodeo

Catching Up With Jason Hetland – The Podcast

September 25, 2015 By Admin

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Mark Anthony catches up with TheRodeoRoundup.com‘s main man and professional rodeo announcer, Jason Hetland. A chance to get his review of the past year as well as a peek and predictions for what we may see at the upcoming National Finals Rodeo and The Pro Bull Riders World Finals later this winter.

At the end of 2014, Jason said that 2015 would be a year of big changes and exciting growth opportunities for the PBR and for him personally. Plus some big changes will happen to the PRCA in 2015. How right he was right on all of them!

(Please See Editors Note at Bottom for an update)

Jason started the year off covering the second RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN as well as The Iron Cowboy in Arlington texas. Two new events that are growing rapidly and changing the landscape of professional sports with their prize money and attendance. This year, Jason brought down some reinforcements. His wife and his young daughter, to help cover the event!

From there, it was off to help a friend and an up and emerging country artist Dustin Craig. His guitar riffs are what you hear on the beginning of all Jason’s videos as well as this podcast intro and outro. Dustin has a booth at this year’s CMA Music Festival. if you know Jason, you know he didn’t just hang with Dustin, he had to go out and say hello to anyone who has any connection to the world of country music, and that led to being on TV during the broadcasts as well as being backstage at the festival! It’s Jason and we like that about him.

The PBR

PBR World Finals hits las Vegas October 21 to the 25. This year the PBR saw a change in ownership that brought better recognition to the talented team already running the organization. We said goodbye to a legendary bull and saw some new talent emerging from the new BlueDEF Velocity Tour that will change the face of the World Finals.

Changes at the PBR World Finals include moving the Fan Zone to the South Point Casino this year and moving the World Finals to a new arena in 2016. So we say goodbye to the Thomas and Mack this year.

We have already been green-lighted to take our coverage up a notch, so expect to see more and expanded coverage of the World Finals. More interaction with the fans. So Send in Your Questions and requests now!! Who do you want to know more about? What questions do you have for the contestants??

With all the changes and the passing of the baton to the next generation of riders and stock contractors, the one event you do not want to miss at the PBR World Finals is the Hero’s and Legends event. An opportunity for the fans to truly mingle with the people who make the PBR such a great sport.

While in Vegas for the PBR, we may have a difficult time tracking Jason down during the down times. As he has warned us he will be fulfilling a tourist list item.. Cruising the Vegas Strip in a Mustang convertible!

(Get Tickets to the PBR World Finals and the 2015 NFR Here)

The PRCA vs the ERA

Where do we start with this mess of an organization called the PRCA? Big changes happened this year as the Board of Directors continues to dig their heels in and protect the ego of the CEO, instead of focusing on the problems causing loyal members, long-time fans and supporters as well as contestants and event organizers to flee.

The Elite Rodeo Association (ERA) was created out of the disappointment of the PRCA to work with the riders and event organizers. The ERA is already shaping up to be THE place to see the top riders and legendary performers who once were the shining stars and cash cows of the PRCA.

With the new rules of the PRCA kicking in after the 2015 NFR and kicking out the top riders who have signed on to the ERA, many wonder if this will be the last time we get to see these guys and gals perform in Las Vegas?? Since most of the charter members of the ERA are also the top contestants heading into the 2015 NFR… This should make for some great NFR interviews!!

The Round-Up

We end the interview with just a quick round-up of what’s ahead for the Rodeo Round Up. The contests, future interview, the plans for covering the PBR World Finals and the NFR. As well as asking for your input. What do you want Jason to talk about? Who should he interview and what are the burning questions he should be asking? Let Us Know by contacting Jason here

Editors Note:

This podcast was recorded early last week. Days before PRCA’s CEO Karl Stressman decided to escalate his pissing contest with the founding members of the Elite Rodeo Association (ERA)
All the content in this post, its editorial commentary and opinions are that of its author and not of Jason Hetland himself!!
PBR Photo by Debbie D Anthony Photography

Last Cowboy Standing Round Two

May 25, 2015 By Admin

So we went from 35 of the best PBR Cowboys in the business with 15 VIP invitee’s (hot new riders who are coming up fast) and some of the best bulls to match on Friday… down to 25 riders on Saturday and some even more rank bulls to see who would be The Last Cowboy Standing.. In short, it would be a night that kept the Bull Fighters very busy.

It quickly went from 25 riders to 8 riders. Then down to 2. Stetson Lawrence and Ricardo Vieira. The same way it ended for the Iron Cowboy Event. Both riders failed to cover their bulls for the final 2 rounds and it wasn’t for a lack of trying. The bulls were just getting itchy to get it done and go home!

Per PBR Rules, with neither rider covering their bulls, the winner was chosen based on points for the night. Ricardo Vieira’s higher combined round points after five rounds of competition gave him the win, a check for $180,000 plus 877.5 points. Stetson Lawrence takes a second place win and 525 world points.

From The PBR

After a full five rounds of competition, No. 1 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bull rider in the world Joao Ricardo Vieira won Last Cowboy Standing, brought to you locally by Sonic, part of the elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS), on Saturday night at MGM Resorts Village.

Last Cowboy Standing is the second PBR Major of the season, which includes 1.5 times more PBR world points than at a regular BFTS event and an increase in prize money.

Vieira posted the top ride of the event with 90.75 points atop Percolator (Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls) during Round 3. Stetson Lawrence, who finished second in the event, also covered his bull in Round 3, putting up 86.5 points on I’m Gangster Too (Jeff Robinson/TNT Bucking Bulls). As such, the men then advanced to Round 4, but were unsuccessful in their attempts to make the 8-second mark. Seeing as neither rider made a qualified ride, Vieira and Lawrence advanced to the final round per Last Cowboy Standing rules.

Neither Vieira nor Lawrence were able to cover their bulls in Round 5 either, and per event rules, Vieira’s higher combined round points after five rounds of competition earned him the win. Vieira received a check for $180,000, including the $100,000 Bad Boy Mowers Bonus. It was the second such check he has accepted this year of this amount, having won the Iron Cowboy of the same format in Arlington, Texas, earlier this season.

This adds 877.5 points to Vieira’s world standing’s total, extending his lead to 1,002.5 points.

Lawrence gave Vieira a run for his money, going 3-for-5 on the night as well, for a second-place finish and 525 world points. Vieira placing first and Lawrence taking second are the same results seen during the first PBR Major, Iron Cowboy.

With a bull score of 46.5 out of 50 points, Little Red Jacket (J.A.R.S. Bucking Bulls/Gene Owen) was named the Salem NationaLease High-marked Bull in Las Vegas as he bucked off J.B. Mauney in 2.94 seconds during Round 3.

The final rounds of Last Cowboy Standing will air during a two-hour broadcast on CBS Television Network on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

For more information and behind-the-scenes details about Last Cowboy Standing, read Behind the Chutes by Justin Felisko on www.pbr.com.

Last Cowboy Standing is the last stop of the first half of the 2015 PBR Built Ford Tough Series.

Want tickets to the PBR World Finals?? PBR World Final Tickets

Photos: Debbie D Anthony Photography

Last Cowboy Standing Round One

May 23, 2015 By Admin

Several years ago, the PBR started to have an event in Las Vegas called “The Last Cowboy Standing“. This was a two-night event, meant more of a calendar filler for the PBR and their partner MGM Resorts than anything else.

Everything Changed!

But if you follow the Professional Bull Riders, you know nothing stays the same for long!! This year they took the entire event and kicked it up a few notches. Ok, maybe more than a few notches! They created a theme around the event, calling it “Cowboy Spring Break”. Then they took it outside and built an entire 3 day weekend of partying around it. Each night, after the bulls left and the dust settled, Montgomery Gentry, Gary Allan or The Band Perry kept the party going well into the night!

Now That’s What We Call: PBR – Vegas Style!

On Friday, the start of it all, we had a mild 5.4 earthquake followed by a little rain. Not your typical Vegas May day, but we survived it all and moved on… Can’t stop the PBR or their fans from having a good time in Las Vegas. Especially with over $180,000 on the line and a pocketful of points to the ultimate winner. The Last Cowboy Standing.

Round 1 of Last Cowboy Standing, Friday, May 22.

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) sophomore Gage Gay and Michael Lane, who notched his first ride on the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) on Friday night, split Round 1 of Last Cowboy Standing at MGM Resorts Village.

Last Cowboy Standing is the second PBR Major of the season, which includes 1.5 times more PBR world points than at a regular BFTS event and an increase in prize money with $180,000 guaranteed to the winner, including the $100,000 Bad Boy Mowers Bonus.

Gay and Lane both posted 88-point efforts atop Recovery Time (Paige Stout Bucking Bulls) and Gentleman Jim (J.A.R.S. Bucking Bulls/Gene Owen), respectively, to receive 120 world points apiece.

Current No. 1 bull rider in the PBR world standings Joao Ricardo Vieira earned 87.5 points on KISS Animalize (Jeff Robinson/B&M Bucking Bulls) to tie rookie Cooper Davis who covered Heavy Dose (Bar 3D Bucking Bulls) for third place. Each rider earned 67.5 points towards the world standings.

Current No. 2 rider in the world Matt Triplett picked up 87 points after making the 8-second whistle on LL Cool J (Tugger X Bucking Bulls/LL Cool J) to round out the Top 5 on the night for 45 world points.

Round 2 of Last Cowboy Standing is on Saturday, May 23.

Last Cowboy Standing is the headlining event of the PBR’s three-day Cowboy Spring Break celebration, which kicks off Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 22, and runs through Sunday, May 24. Surrounded by concerts, pools, water entertainment, volleyball fun, VIP parties and more, Last Cowboy Standing is the central activity taking place within the Monster Energy Cowboy Festival, located in MGM Resorts Village.

Las Vegas is the 18th of 27 stops on the 2015 PBR Built Ford Tough Series schedule. The season will culminate with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas on Oct. 21-25 when the 2015 PBR World Champion, the bull rider who earns the most points during the 2015 season, will receive the coveted World Championship belt buckle and a $1 million bonus.

Want tickets to the PBR World Finals?? PBR World Final Tickets

Photos: Debbie D Anthony Photography

Join Us for The Hangout

January 24, 2015 By Admin

Welcome to the new year and a new view…. Starting with Jason Hetland hosting our very first live Google Hangout On Air this Wednesday January 28, 2015 at 6pm CST. We want you there! The topic will be what’s new in the PBR and in the world of Rodeo. He will also be taking questions and giving his insight, input and opinions. Co-Host and manning the controls will be Mark Anthony.

2015 has just started and a lot has already happened in the rodeo world. Winning streaks ended, ranking changed and some hot new talent are proving their stuff. This will be an exciting year and you may want to hear what Jason has to say about it all.

What is This?

The Google Hangouts On Air is a live internet event and it is free (always like free). If you can watch a YouTube video, you can participate in a Google Hangout. Subscribe to our newsletter or register via the events page and we will keep you up to date on what is happening. Right before the event, you will be notified via email or G+ that it’s about to start. Click the link provided and you will be there with the rest of us. .

Once we start, Jason will do the introductions and start the conversation. You, the audience, can watch live as well as ask questions via the chat option on the event page. Once the show is complete, the event will be available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel.

Will You Be There??

Google Hangouts On Air Events Page

JB Mauney Has a Broken Jaw

October 26, 2014 By Admin

PBR World Champion Bull Rider JB Mauney was scheduled to talk with Jason Hetland today, but on his 93.25 round winning ride last night got a broken jaw. That’s not why the cancelled the interview. No, they canceled the interview to work on his shoulder!!

Thank You to Rick Rosen for the picture

Catching Up With Jason Hetland (video)

July 5, 2014 By Admin

For people in the rodeo lifestyle, summertime is the time you make your money. Most of the events are in the summer when families are together. So trying to catch up with them can be difficult to say the least.

Mark Anthony got a few minutes of time with The Rodeo Round Up’s Jason Hetland to catch up with the world as we see it!

Recapping Arlington

Yes, Arlington Texas and The American is still fresh in everyone’s mind. An event worthy of a repeat and looks like that is already in the works. Bigger, better, more competition.

J.B. vs J.B.

An annual event that went yup a notch in excitement as J.W. Hart PBR Challenge put J.W. Harris (PRCA Champ) up against J.B. Mauney (PBR Champ)- Neither covered their bulls.

Paying it back – Paying it Forward

If there is one word to describe your typical rodeo person, it would be “Grateful” or “Thankful” and Jason Hetland filled the bill. As a way of thanking the Minneapolis Shiners Hospital for Children for helping his family out, He organized an event with the local rodeo families and brought a ton of of much welcomed smiles to the kids and families of the hospital.

Big News

Rodeo Star Ty Murray And Wife Jewel End Their Marriage!! One of the founding members of the Pro Bull Riders and rodeo legend as well as CBS commentator for the PBR events, Ty Murry and his wife Jewel have ended their marriage as friends.

Game Over: Vegas Wins NFR Stays in Vegas!

January 24, 2014 By Admin

Las Vegas IS home to The National Finals Rodeo

Big news coming out today as the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Board of Directors have finally decided where the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) will be starting in 2015. The question is where and the answer is it is not going anywhere.

I was told today by a reliable source that the PRCA Board of Directors voted to keep the Superbowl of rodeo where it has been for the past 29 years and will continue to be for the next 10 years. Las Vegas Events was given a counter offer by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and it looks like they stepped up to the plate.

News is still very sketchy as an official announcement of what the final details are of the proposal is yet to be announced. I can tell you that my sources tell me that the Texas bid was even bigger than what the Florida bid was and the PRCA gave Las Vegas Events the option to match the Texas bid, which was a great bid, and the investors in the current home of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo did just that.

We will all find out more regarding the actual proposal in the near future but for now the National Finals is staying put.

PRCA Reining Overall World Champion Trevor Brazile

Now who knows what this will mean for the cowboys and cowgirls that have aligned together to form a new association and leave the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. No one has heard anything from that camp since early January when it was announced. What does this mean and what can we expect from them in the near future? We will all have to wait to see if these athletes stay put or still split and form their new organization.

Now that Las Vegas is called home to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo does this open up the other two cities as options for their association finals in the future? Will there still be a defection? Will the newly motivated investors in Las Vegas keep the top cowboys and cowgirls in the PRCA and have them perform at the National Finals Rodeo?

All these questions are still very much on the table. The only thing we all know now is that the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will continue to be in Las Vegas. This news is only a small part to the drama surrounding the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and The Rodeo Round Up will continue to stay on top of all the late breaking news that will be coming in the very near future!