Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Officially Staying At Thomas & Mack Center Through '24

Las Vegas Events, the promoter of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held every December, has "extended its deal with Thomas & Mack Center to hold the popular rodeo event at the arena" through '24, according to Alan Snel of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Las Vegas Events "took a look" at the joint MGM/AEG arena being built on the Strip but "ultimately decided to stay with Thomas & Mack." The rodeo "has been held at Thomas & Mack for 30 years, with the event reaching an all-time attendance record of 177,565" in '14. The deal between Thomas & Mack and Las Vegas Events "mirrors the extension" signed between Las Vegas Events and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which "keeps the NFR in Las Vegas" through '24. Las Vegas Events President Pat Christenson said, "MGM took the position they want to have incremental, new events. The design of the arena didn't consider the NFR that much." Snel notes Thomas & Mack "is also spending" $72M on upgrades (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/29).