If you’re asking what time does the NFR start, you’re not alone. The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is underway in Las Vegas, bringing together the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world for 10 action-packed nights of championship competition. Here’s a complete look at when it starts, what to expect, and how fans can catch all the excitement this year.
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When and Where the 2025 NFR Takes Place
The 2025 NFR kicked off on Thursday, December 4, and runs through Saturday, December 13. As always, the event is being held at the iconic Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The arena, which seats over 17,000 rodeo fans, transforms into a world-class stage for professional rodeo’s biggest event of the year.
Each of the 10 nightly performances begins promptly at 5:45 p.m. Pacific Time (8:45 p.m. Eastern Time). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT, giving fans time to find their seats, grab refreshments, and enjoy pre-show entertainment before the competition begins.
What to Expect at This Year’s NFR
The National Finals Rodeo is the ultimate championship event in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit. Only the top 15 athletes in each discipline qualify to compete for world titles and record-setting prize money.
Each night features seven premier events:
- Bareback Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Tie-Down Roping
- Barrel Racing
- Bull Riding
Contestants accumulate points and earnings across the 10 nights, with world championships determined by overall season and NFR winnings combined.
Nightly Schedule and Highlights
Every performance begins at 5:45 p.m. PT sharp and runs for approximately two and a half hours. The events follow a consistent schedule throughout the 10 nights, but no two performances are the same—each night brings fresh draws, different competitors, and unpredictable results.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with fans able to enjoy early entertainment, vendor booths, and meet-and-greet opportunities. The NFR also hosts pre-show ceremonies and flag presentations before the main rodeo events begin.
How Long Each Performance Lasts
Each round of competition typically lasts until about 8:15 p.m. Pacific, depending on timing between events and arena setups. By the end of the night, the leaderboard is updated, showing which athletes are climbing closer to world titles and gold buckles.
The Atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center
The NFR is more than a rodeo—it’s a celebration of Western heritage, tradition, and competition. Fans arrive dressed in boots, hats, and denim, filling the arena with unmatched energy. The live atmosphere in Las Vegas is electric, featuring live music, pyrotechnics, and nightly tributes to military and community heroes.
Throughout the week, Las Vegas becomes the unofficial capital of cowboy culture. The city hosts country concerts, autograph sessions, and after-parties that attract fans and athletes alike.
How to Watch the 2025 NFR
For those not in Las Vegas, the NFR is broadcast nationwide, allowing fans across the country to experience every ride, race, and championship moment. Viewers can tune in to the official broadcast or stream through authorized platforms to catch all the action live from the Thomas & Mack Center.
Each night’s coverage begins around 8:45 p.m. Eastern Time, following the live event start in Nevada. The broadcasts include full event coverage, commentary, and updates on standings throughout the competition.
Prize Money and Competitor Highlights
This year’s total purse for the NFR remains one of the highest in professional rodeo history, continuing the event’s legacy as the richest rodeo in the world. Each event winner takes home significant earnings, and the world champions are crowned based on combined winnings from both the regular season and the Finals.
Many returning stars are competing for repeat titles, while rising talents are making their debut appearances on rodeo’s biggest stage. From record-breaking rides to edge-of-your-seat barrel racing, 2025 is shaping up to deliver some of the most competitive performances in recent NFR history.
Key Things to Remember
- Dates: December 4–13, 2025
- Location: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nightly Start Time: 5:45 p.m. Pacific / 8:45 p.m. Eastern
- Doors Open: 4:30 p.m. Pacific
- Events: 7 major rodeo events nightly
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours per performance
Why the NFR Matters
The National Finals Rodeo represents the pinnacle of the sport, celebrating the skill, strength, and courage of the rodeo community. For competitors, it’s the culmination of a year’s worth of dedication and travel. For fans, it’s an unforgettable showcase of Western pride, sportsmanship, and entertainment.
Each year, the NFR brings together generations of fans—some who’ve followed the event for decades, others experiencing it for the first time. The combination of athleticism, showmanship, and tradition keeps audiences coming back year after year.
Now that you know what time the NFR starts, are you ready for ten nights of world-class rodeo action? Let us know who you’re cheering for this year!
