The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 takes over Las Vegas from December 4–13, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Every performance has the same arena start time but a different theme night and sponsor, so it’s important to know exactly when the action begins each day.
This guide gives you the full NFR 2025 performance times schedule, nightly themes, doors-open info and a simple daily timetable so you never miss a ride, run or opening ceremony.
Wrangler NFR 2025 Dates, Venue & Start Time
- Event: Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 2025
- Dates: Thursday, December 4 – Saturday, December 13, 2025 (10 performances)
- Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, UNLV campus, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nightly Performance Start Time (Arena): 5:45 p.m. Pacific Time
- Approximate Duration: 2.5–3 hours each night
In U.S. time zones, that means:
- 5:45 p.m. PT (Las Vegas)
- 6:45 p.m. MT
- 7:45 p.m. CT
- 8:45 p.m. ET
Plan to be seated a bit before 5:45 p.m. so you catch the opening ceremonies and grand entry.
NFR 2025 Performance Times by Date & Theme Night
Here is the official NFR 2025 performance schedule with nightly themes and sponsors. All performances start at 5:45 p.m. PT.
| Date (2025) | Round | Theme Night | Start Time (PT) | Performance Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 4 | 1st Performance | Throwback Night | 5:45 p.m. | Pendleton Whisky |
| Fri, Dec 5 | 2nd Performance | Standard Performance | 5:45 p.m. | Coors |
| Sat, Dec 6 | 3rd Performance | Golden Night (Golden Circle of Champions) | 5:45 p.m. | Hesston by Massey Ferguson |
| Sun, Dec 7 | 4th Performance | Memorial Night | 5:45 p.m. | Polaris Ranger |
| Mon, Dec 8 | 5th Performance | Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night | 5:45 p.m. | Montana Silversmiths |
| Tue, Dec 9 | 6th Performance | Resistol Rookie Night | 5:45 p.m. | Resistol |
| Wed, Dec 10 | 7th Performance | Military Night | 5:45 p.m. | Boot Barn |
| Thu, Dec 11 | 8th Performance | Canadian Night | 5:45 p.m. | Durango Boots |
| Fri, Dec 12 | 9th Performance | Legacy Night | 5:45 p.m. | Tractor Supply Company |
| Sat, Dec 13 | 10th Performance | Wrangler National Patriot Night | 5:45 p.m. | Wrangler |
Use this table to quickly see which night is which and plan your outfits, photos and social posts around the theme nights.
What Time Do Doors Open at Thomas & Mack Center?
Even though the rodeo starts at 5:45 p.m., the arena and concourse open much earlier so you can enjoy pre-show entertainment, food and drinks.
- 4:00 p.m. – Cowboy Corral Entrance & The Cowboy Channel Bar entrance open
- 4:15 p.m. – Main entrance opens
- 5:45 p.m. – NFR performance starts
Security includes metal detectors and a clear-bag policy, so arrive early and give yourself time to get through the gates, grab a drink and find your seat before the grand entry begins.
Cowboy Corral Times (Pre-Show & Post-Show)
Cowboy Corral is the official pre-show party inside the Cox Pavilion, right next door to the Thomas & Mack Center. With your NFR ticket, you can get in at no extra cost and enjoy live music, dancing and drinks both before and after the performance.
- Doors open: 4:00 p.m. nightly
- Location: Cox Pavilion (connected to Thomas & Mack Center)
- Entry: Free with a Wrangler NFR ticket
- Entertainment: Live bands before and after the rodeo performance
If you want the full NFR experience, plan to arrive around 4:00–4:30 p.m., spend some time in Cowboy Corral, then head to your seat by about 5:30 p.m.
Typical NFR 2025 Daily Schedule in Las Vegas
NFR week is packed with more than just the nightly performance. Here’s a simple sample daily timetable to help you plan your day around performance times:
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Cowboy Christmas at Las Vegas Convention Center (free admission)
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo (Junior NFR) at Wrangler Rodeo Arena, LVCC Platinum Lot (ticket required)
- Daytime – Other NFR-related events (gift shows, autograph sessions, Breakaway Roping, Ultimate Bullfighters, etc.)
- 4:00 p.m. – Cowboy Corral & concourse entrances open at Thomas & Mack Center
- 5:45 p.m. – Wrangler NFR performance begins
- ~8:15–8:45 p.m. – Performance ends; buckle presentations, after parties and concerts begin around town
Times for specific daytime events vary by day, so always check the official Schedule of Events if you’re planning around autograph sessions or special shows.
TV & Streaming Times for NFR 2025 Performances
If you can’t be at the Thomas & Mack Center in person, you can still watch every performance live on TV or online. Broadcasts follow the same performance times as the arena.
- The Cowboy Channel: Live coverage of every round, typically 5:45–8:00 p.m. PT
- RFD-TV: Simulcast in many TV packages
- Cowboy Channel+ (streaming): Live and on-demand coverage of NFR 2025 and other PRCA events
Check your provider’s listings for exact channel numbers and confirm NFR times in your local time zone before each performance.
Tips for Timing Your NFR 2025 Experience
- Be inside by 5:30 p.m. – You don’t want to miss the grand entry, anthem and opening ceremonies.
- Use NFR Express shuttles: Shuttles from partner hotels usually run from about 4:00–6:00 p.m. to the arena and back after the performance.
- Plan your night around themes: Check which night is Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Military Night, Canadian Night, etc., and coordinate outfits and photos.
- Watch the clock for kids: With a 5:45 p.m. start and 2.5–3 hours of action, most nights wrap up around 8:15–8:45 p.m. local time.
FAQ: NFR 2025 Performance Times
What time do NFR 2025 performances start each night?
Every Wrangler NFR 2025 performance at the Thomas & Mack Center is scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m. Pacific Time (8:45 p.m. Eastern Time).
How long does an NFR performance last?
Most performances run about 2.5 to 3 hours, including all events, re-rides and ceremonies. Expect to leave the arena sometime between roughly 8:15 and 8:45 p.m.
When should I arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center?
Doors open as early as 4:00 p.m. for Cowboy Corral and the Cowboy Channel Bar entrances, and 4:15 p.m. at the main entrance. For a stress-free experience, aim to arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Do performance times ever change?
The official schedule lists all 2025 performances at 5:45 p.m. PT. While that is the plan, unexpected events (like severe weather or emergencies) can occasionally affect start times. It’s always smart to check the official NFR Experience website or NFR app on the day of your performance.
What time is NFR 2025 on TV in my time zone?
For most viewers:
- Pacific Time: 5:45 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 6:45 p.m.
- Central Time: 7:45 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 8:45 p.m.
Check your local listings for The Cowboy Channel or RFD-TV to confirm.
Bookmark this page and you’ll always know exactly when NFR 2025 performances start – whether you’re watching from the stands in Las Vegas or from home on TV.