NFR Still Has Fighting Chance

Fingers are crossed across Las Vegas as many wait to hear if the National Finals Rodeo will stay in town. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association submitted a counteroffer to Las Vegas Events on Tuesday. Details of that offer have not been disclosed. The PRCA didn’t accept LVE’s initial offer to keep the NFR in Las Vegas, instead entering into a memorandum of understanding with Osceola, Florida to take the NFR there. Many in the local community were outraged to hear the decision. Past reports have Pat Christenson of Las Vegas Events calling the move ” a big mistake.” Now, hope remains alive for the huge money-maker to stay. The event sells out each year and brings tens of thousands of visitors to Las Vegas who spend money on hotels, food and entertainment for 10 days. The event generates nearly $100 million in non-gaming revenue for the city each year. According to Lacey Stevens, Marketing Executive with Rodeo News, the cowboy community wants the NFR to stay put. Stevens says she’s hopeful Las Vegas Events gives the cowboys what they deserve. Reports show Florida offered $16 million in annual prizes, compared to Las Vegas’ $6 million. “The cowboys deserve more money. They travel all year. They have a lot of sleepless night. They are out there trying to make it just like we all are. I think they deserve a bigger purse and however the PRCA goes about getting that for them, I think that’s in their best interest, ” said Stevens. Still, she’s hopeful that purse comes from Las Vegas and not Florida. “You know, you can get airfare really cheap into Las Vegas…that, plus it’s just easier access. I don’t think Florida can provide what Las Vegas does, ” Stevens added...more