After weeks of speculation on where the PRCA National Finals Rodeo would be held due to limits on those attending the event in Las Vegas because of COVID-19 restrictions, rodeo fans and athletes finally have their answer…Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday confirmed the news, posting to Twitter, “This year’s National Finals Rodeo will move from Las Vegas to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This event belongs in Texas!.”
State restrictions limiting ticket sales to live sporting events amid the coronavirus pandemic forced the PRCA to consider an alternative site for this years rodeo.
An official announcement from the PRCA hasn’t yet been made, however, the Colorado-based rodeo association has called a press conference this morning.
One of the biggest events held in Las Vegas each year, the NFR has been held in the ‘City of Lights’ at the Thomas & Mack Center since moving from Oklahoma City in 1985.
The sell-out event sees 17,000 plus fans in attendance each night over 10 nights. However, Globe Life Field, which has a retractable roof, seats 40,300 people.
Specifics on social distancing at the event is yet to be made clear, however, Texas state guidelines allow for “50 percent occupancy at professional, collegiate or similar sporting events.” Therefore, the event could potentially sell the same number of tickets at Globe Life Field.
The event is expected to return to Las Vegas in 2021.
Photo: Katie Dixon / myparistexas.com
