Due to the tragic events that unfolded at the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus on Wednesday, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees announced that round one of the National Finals Rodeo was canceled.
The shooting took place 0.4 miles from the Thomas & Mack, where contestants, staff, and contractors were in lockdown inside the arena while they were supposed to be practicing for the grand entry.
“The PRCA is saddened by the tragedy that happened yesterday and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their friends and families,” said PRCA CEO Tom Glause. “We have worked closely with our partners in Las Vegas and the Thomas & Mack Center to work through the NFR schedule, while maintaining sensitivity to the events that took place. We will bring our fans together on Friday evening to share our support for this community.”
The first round of the finals will now be held on December 8th at 5:45 p.m. at the Thomas & Mac Center and will feature a moment of silence to honor the victims at the start of the performance.
“Today’s shooting on the UNLV campus was alarming and deeply troubling,” Tom Glause said. “The PRCA is grateful for the rapid, professional response from law enforcement and first responders. Our thoughts right now are focused on the victims of this senseless act of violence.”
In order to maintain the tradition of the ten rounds of the NFR, an additional performance will now be held on Wednesday, December 13th at 10 a.m. This event will not be open to the public.
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South and Central Halls, will continue as planned. It is open to the public and free to attend.
