The NFR (National Finals Rodeo) is the most anticipated rodeo event in the United States. The 2022 edition will take place between December 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas.
The PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) is the governing body that organizes the event each year during the first week of December.
This epic rodeo event hosts about 120 contestants competing in different activities, such as Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Steer Roping, Barrel Racing, and the All-Around (an award to highest earners in two or more events).
Did you know the NFR has changed its usual event location? Yes, it has because the rodeo event was always held at the Thomas & Mack Center, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The event was discussed and temporarily relocated to the Texas Arena following the COVID-19 outbreak that has affected most parts of the United States. However, you’ll still find the ‘special dirt’ used in the NFR at the Las Vegas arena as there are hopes it will continue hosting the event come next year.
Let’s get you started with how to watch Wrangler NFR live stream on TV for those rodeo fans who can’t make it to the Thomas & Mack Center arena. Read on!
| Start Date | Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 |
| End Date | Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 |
| Time | 8:45 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET nightly |
| Location | Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas |
| Broadcast | The Cowboy Channel |
How to Watch NFR Live Stream 2022
The Wrangler NFR 2022 is just around the corner, and it will go on amid the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the entire world.
The 10-day final rodeo event will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas. The Cowboy Channel will cover all performances live and simulcast on RFD-TV. National Finals Rodeo (NFR) move to The Cowboy Channel (TCC) and RFD-TV at the beginning of 2022. We have provided you with the three best ways of watching the 2022 NFR live stream from the comfort of your home.
The Cowboy Channel
The Cowboy Channel is the only streaming way to watch the National Finals Rodeo. You can watch NFR 2022, PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour, and PRO RODEO TOUR events via this channel which is available on different Pay TV providers.
- The Cowboy Channel Plus
With a $9.99/month or $89.99/year, you can use PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus to watch on-demand rodeo events or highlights and also know all about your favorite rodeo athletes.
- RFD-TV
Watch NFR 2022 on RFD-TV for only $9.99/month or $89.99/year via different supported platforms, such as Android or iOS phones, Android or Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other web applications (Firefox, Chrome, Edge).
2022 NFR Live on Rural Radio
Are you escaping a busy schedule? And you still want to catch up on all actions of the NFR 2022 as it happens? Then, you probably need to listen to Rural Radio as you go on with your daily routines.
You can access Rural Radio via SiriusXM satellite radio via Channel 147. It’s a radio network that features western sports, western lifestyle, and agriculture news for rural America and Canada.
Stream NFR 2022 on Satellite Channels
Do you want to watch NFR 2021 live streaming on satellite platforms? If yes, you need to access valid channels that provide access to The Cowboy Channel. Some of the platforms include Dish Network via Channel 232 (SD) and DirecTV via Channel 603 (SD).
Watch NFR live on IPTV
NFR is also available via Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), which is best known for showing the event in some of the best and excellent quality videos and images.
You’ll not experience any lagging or buffering problems when you watch your favorite NFR 2022 events via IPTV. The two best channels for watching NFR on IPTV are Verizon FiOS via Channel 246 (SD) and AT&T U-verse via Channel 566 (SD).
How to Watch NFR Live Stream Without Cable
By now, we know that The Cowboy Channel is the official broadcaster with absolute rights for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo coverage. To watch via this official broadcaster, you may be required to have a cable subscription.
The good news is that you can now stream NFR online without cable using some networks that provide access to The Cowboy Channel Plus (TCC).
That said, let’s look at some of the networks to use and watch NFR 2022 online without cable.
- NFR Live on DISH
You can access the NFR official broadcaster channel on DISH via Channel 232 (SD), usually via TV. However, you can download the DISH Anywhere app to watch on-demand rodeo events without cable and on the go. You can also install the application on your laptop or PC.
- NFR Live on DIRECTV
DirecTV goes for $40/month, but new customers can take advantage of the free 7-day trial to watch NFR 2022 live and cancel before the trial ends. You get access to more than 65+ channels, and out of those available, you can easily stream NFR on The Cowboy Channel Plus
- Watch NFR on Comcast
You can use Comcast via its official website Xfinity.com to watch Wrangler NFR 2022 online and without cable or a TV box. With Comcast monthly package of $65/month, you can access 10+ channels with live sports, local news, and weather reports. Watch NFR 2022 on the go by downloading their Xfinity Stream app.
- NFR on Spectrum
Use Spectrum with a $44.99/month subscription to watch NFR 2022 via its mobile app readily downloadable on Google Play Store (Android version) and App Store (iOS version). Use the Spectrum TV app to watch NFR 2022 live stream or other rodeo events on-demand at home or on the go.
- NFR on Cox
The best possible way of watching TV shows and movies on-demand and on the go is via Cox. This platform comes with a Contour TV app that lets you watch various local channels and some on-demand content. The least package goes for $25/month with 75+ channels, but we recommend trying out the $69.99/month package that has 140+channels plus on-demand live streams.
- NFR on Sling TV
Sling TV costs $25/month, but it also comes with a 7-day free trial period that you can take advantage of to watch NFR 2022 online and free.
- NFR on Verizon FiOS
You can stream NFR without cable via FiOS TV app that’s compatible with any mobile or tablet. But you’ll need to have a valid Verizon FiOS TV package subscription, and the least plan costs around $40/month.
- NFR on AT&T Now
With AT&T Now, you can watch NFR 2022 anytime and anywhere without a cable subscription. It also comes with a 7-day trial period meant for new customers who can watch their favorite annual rodeo event for free. It costs around $50 per month.
- NFR on Mediacom
You’ll need a web-enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to watch NFR on Mediacom via its Xtream TV app readily available on Google Play Store or App Store. You can also log in with your Mediacom ID on their official website, watch.mediacomtoday.com, to stream NFR online via the available list of networks.
- NFR on Suddenlink
Did you know that you can stream NFR via Suddenlink2GO app without cable? Yes, it’s entirely possible, and all you need is a Suddenlink subscription. You can start by purchasing the Sports Plus Package for $5/month.
- NFR on AT&T U-verse
U-verse is a product from AT&T that allows its user to watch exciting live stream events and sports via the Pay-Per-View option. You will need to scroll through their website, launch the PPV schedule, and look for an NFR live streaming event.
- Watch NFR on YouTube TV
With a basic plan of $50/month, you can live stream lots of sports events such as the Wrangler NFR 2022 via YouTube TV. It comes with 100+ channels and Cloud DVR that you can use to record live events for watching later.
- NFR live on Roku
The primary way of watching NFR on Roku is through on-demand streaming services, such as DirecTV Now or NFR pass. Roku is an excellent option for watching the final rodeo championship event in 4k.
How to Watch NFR Live Outside USA
Most USA rodeo fans can easily access official streaming sites and apps without any restriction. But when it comes to international users (those living outside the USA), they may need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass geo-restrictions on NFR streaming websites or channels.
A VPN allows you to connect on the servers of a supported country like the USA while living in another country, such as Australia, remotely.
Some of the best VPNs on the market are:
- Express VPN ($12.95/month)
- Nord VPN ($11.95/month)
- IPVanish ($10/month)
Once you have configured your VPN, you can watch Wrangler NFR 2022 via Cowboy Channel. They can also stream the rodeo competition via Fubo TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, and more digital channels.
Cowboy Christmas
After the temporary relocation of NFR 2022 to Texas, Cowboy Christmas, which is the most ancillary event, followed suit, and it will be held at Fort Worth, Texas, running from Dec 1-10.
The 2022 edition of Cowboy Christmas is expected to have more than 225 exhibitors on 250,000+ square feet of the ground. This means they will always be an item or gift for everybody who wishes to attend this event that has been held every year since 1986.
Do you want to get your hands on some PRCA merchandise together with official Wrangler items? Then, you probably need to get your tickets for the Cowboy Christmas, and admission is free of charge.
Junior World Finals
The Junior World Finals organized by Yeti is meant for young cowboys and cowgirls aged between 7-19, who compete in their own version of rodeo events. The 2022 edition is taking place between December 1-10. Some of the events young rodeo athletes compete in are Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Bareback Bronc Riding.
The finals are usually held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is scheduled to occur at the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Tickets are expected to cost about $10 per person, and only 1,100 spectators are allowed at Junior’s arena per day.
NFR Extra
NFR Extra is another excellent option for listening to the Wrangler NFR live stream via radio. Since its launch in March 2019, NFR Extra features stock contractors, country music performers, current and former rodeo contestants, rodeo industry insiders, and more.
You can easily access NFR Extra via Rural Radio Channel 147 SiriusXM, Spotify, iHeart, Apple Podcast, or NFRexperience.com.
Wrangler NFR Events
I bet by now you’re wondering about the main NFR events to witness during the 2022 edition at the Thomas & Mack Center arena. The NFR schedule is released and scheduled on 1-10 December 2022.
As its set, there are 7 main events and 10 championships organized by the PRCA, and the ultimate titles are awarded to the rodeo athletes who at least earn the most money in each event throughout the year. The top 15 cowboys for are headed into the Wrangler NFR according to highest earning cowboys and cowgirls from the PRCA & WPRA world Standings.
Let’s take a closer look at the most notable Wrangler NFR events.
- Bronc Riding
This event is the most popular one, and it’s categorized into two divisions, namely Bareback Bronc Riding and Saddle Bronc Riding.
Bareback Bronc Riding involves a rider who is allowed to hang onto a bucking horse with bareback rigging. An athlete must stay on top of the horse and portray the best grip while going about his riding technique.
On the other hand, Saddle Bronc Riding involves a rider who must maintain his balance through a tight grip for 8 seconds while the horse is bucking. A rider (who sits on a specialized western saddle without a horn) should use one hand to hold onto the bronc rein – attached to the horse’s halter.
- Tie-Down Roping
Tie-Down is one of the oldest timed rodeo events that is also referred to as Calf Roping. It involves calves that are roped for medical treatment, branding, and other uses.
The cowboy is supposed to rope a running calf while on his horse using a lariat to go around the calf’s neck. Once that is achieved, the cowboy must dismount and run to the calf, and he is then supposed to throw it to the ground and tie three feet together.
Note: In some scenarios, when the calf falls during the neck roping process, the cowboy must wait until the young animal is back on its feet before he can proceed to do the necessary work of roping its three legs.
Each cowboy uses a well-trained horse that ensures the lariat stays on the calf by slowly backing up as his master ties the calf.
- Barrel Racing
It’s one of the most agility events and depends on the timing speed. Together with his horse, the Cowboy should gallop around some barrels set in different patterns while making agile turns. They must make sure not to knock the barrels over.
Barrel Racing is more of a women’s event organized by the WPRA (Women’s Professional Rodeo Association). If you’re interested in following this event, you can always check score updates on their respective website.
Be sure to note that some men or boys also compete for Barrel Racing at local O-Mok-See competition and not at the Wrangler NFR event.
- Steer Wrestling
This is an entertaining form of wrestling that involves a cowboy and a Corriente steer, hence its name. A rider is supposed to quickly dismount from his horse and jump on a steer by grabbing it by its horns.
That’s why Steer Wrestling, also known as ‘bulldogging,’ is the most physically dangerous event at the Wrangler NFR. The cowboy needs to bring the steer to a halt as fast as possible.
It involves a combination of precision, speed, technique, and strength to perform this event, and that’s why it should be practiced by well-experienced cowboys at the NFR only.
- Team Roping
It’s the only rodeo event where we get to witness men and women riders compete together, and it’s also called ‘heading and heeling.’
The headers are supposed to rope the head of a steer, and they only have about three tries to do so. They should rope the animal around the neck, head, and horns.
Meanwhile, the heelers should approach the steer from behind and try to rope two hind legs. Failing to tie both hind legs together attracts a 5-second penalty.
At the end of it all, both the headers and heeler must face each other after capturing the steer and ensure the ropes are taut as the animal is between them. It’s a team combination event hence its name team roping.
- Bull Riding
Here, horses are not used anymore when riding; it’s the work of full-grown bulls. Cowboys are supposed to ride bulls even with all the dangers involved because bulls usually attack a fallen rider, and most of the time, they are so unpredictable.
That’s why you’ll find bullfighters distracting the bulls to prevent injury to the cowboys during the bull riding competition.
A cowboy needs to maintain his balance by staying on top of the bull during the competition without falling. They hold a flat braided rope that is wrapped around the bull’s chest. It’s one of the most exciting rodeo events at the Wrangler NFR as cowboys try to show their bull riding experience with all the bucking involved.
- Steer Roping
This is the same as tie-down roping, and the only difference is that the cowboy won’t tie down a calf but a larger steer.
The cowboy should start by roping the steer by its horns before he can reinforce that with rebar. It’s then followed by tossing the rope over the steer’s right hip and quickly toss the rope back to the left side to bring the animal to the ground.
A cowboy should only dismount when he is sure that the rope is tight and go on to tie any three legs together for about 6 seconds holding.
- Steer Riding
This is more of a children rodeo event where boys and girls ride steers like riding bulls for men. The event participants should be at least 8 years old, and the oldest is about 14 years old. However, ages differ with the region a cowboy or a cowgirl comes from. Steer Riding is usually used as a training event for Bull Riding and Bronc Riding.
- All-Around
It’s not specifically an event, but it’s an award given to the highest money earner in 2 or more events of the Wrangler NFR. The cowboy eligible for this award should have at least earned more money than anyone else in more than one event during the year to become the All-Around Champion of the NFR.
NFR Event Format
The Wrangler NFR runs through 10 consecutive days with 10 rounds. Riders and racers earn more money when they place first through sixth in any round. Additionally, they also get more money when they place first through eighth on the average (best-combined results during the 10 rounds).
For each event apart from team roping with four champions, they are two champions, namely the average winner (best results during the 10 rounds) or the world champion (earned more money during that year). It can either be one person getting recognized for an event, but they are two different people most of the time.
NFR Prize Structure
The prize payouts are based on how much money is there for grabs, and it’s usually about $10 million. Those who place first in the eighth in any round earn more than those in the sixth round. The people who earn more are those average winners with the best placing and the overall world champion.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
The PRCA was founded in 1936 by a group of cowboys who protested about entry fees and total purse at Boston Garden. It was first named Cowboy’s Turtle Association before it adopted its current name in 1975. This rodeo organization is responsible for sanctioning events in the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. It organizes its main championship event in December every year, and it’s what is called the National Finals Rodeo.
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA)
The WPRA was founded in 1948 to cater to women above 18 years old, looking to engage in rodeo events. It sanctions rodeo events for women in the USA, Canada, and Australia. It was first named Girls Rodeo Association before it adopted its current name in 1981. The most notable thing is that the organization is governed entirely by women.
NFR 2022 Tickets
We expect one to buy tickets from the Thomas & Mack Center offices as it was the norm when the event was held at the Thomas & Mack Center. Alternatively, you can also buy tickets online via StubHub, Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, and more.
Conclusion
Prepare to be entertained at the Wrangler NFR in Texas when the event unfolds at the Thomas & Mack Center come December 2022. With this lengthy article, you have every information you need to either watch the National Finals Rodeo from the stands or at home glued to your TV or even on the go using your smartphone or laptop.