The National Finals Rodeo moving to Texas for the NFR 2020 is another severe financial blow to the City of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada. This move was prompted by Pandemic restrictions in Nevada.
The NFR has been held in Las Vegas at the Thomas &Mack Center since moving from Oklahoma City in 1985, selling out 10 nights of events every year and filling local hotels. But state restrictions limiting ticket sales to live sporting events amid the coronavirus pandemic has fueled speculation the PRCA would seek an alternative site for this year’s rodeo.
Las Vegas Events annually projects 17,000 people in attendance at every performance at Thomas &Mack, or 170,000 total. The event has an economic impact of an estimated $200 million every year.
This announcement is followed by last months cancellation of Cowboy Christmas an annual retail gift show.
Texas state guidelines allow for “50 percent occupancy at professional, collegiate or similar sporting events.” The move to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas also provides an arena that seats 40,300.
The event is expected to return to Las Vegas in 2021.
