The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas have traditionally been a slow time of year for Las Vegas. But slow is a relative term when it comes to Vegas. This also happens to be when the Pro Rodeo Finals -- the Super Bowl of ridin' and ropin' -- rolls into town attracting legions of rodeo followers who settle in for 10 days of cowboy action. The top 15 competitors from seven rodeo disciplines, including saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, bareback riding, tie-down roping and barrel racing, will vie for the coveted gold belt buckle and saddle that goes to the champion, not to mention over $5 million in prize money.
The rodeo begins tomorrow, Nov. 30, and continues through Dec. 9 at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Tickets are still available but many are in the so-called Mad Dash category where a seat is not guaranteed.
Because of the flavor of the event, many casino-hotels tweak their entertainment offerings by bringing in country western favorites, such as Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis and Tanya Tucker. Plus, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a massive Cowboy Christmas Gift Show is held through most of the rodeo giving even those who don't attend the rodeo an opportunity to get into the Wild West holiday spirit.
