Fort Worth is Rodeo Central This Season

Fort Worth is the headquarters of all things rodeo this season, beginning in late November and extending through December.

PRCA National Convention and Trade Show: Nov. 30-Dec. 3

The "Challenge of Change" PRCA National Convention will be held at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel and the adjacent Fort Worth Convention Center November 30 - December 3. This year's event includes a trade show and the PRCA Awards Banquet on December 2. Registration is open to PRCA members only for $100 per person.

Presentation topics for the convention will focus on the uncertainty ProRodeo endured and overcame throughout the 2020 season and the changes facing professional sports in the years ahead. The event also will include an address from PRCA CEO George Taylor, the PRCA Member Trade Show as well as several topical breakout sessions.  

 13th Annual Wrangler® Gold Buckle Gala: Nov. 30

Honoring longtime Fort Worth rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame event includes dinner, a silent and live auction, entertainment by Paul Bogart and complimentary beverages by sponsors Coors and Pendleton Whisky. The event will be held at Billy Bob's Texas on Monday, November 30. Tickets may be purchased here.

PRCA Welcome Reception & NFR® Contestant Back Number Ceremony: Dec. 1

Pomp and circumstance surrounds the awarding of the back numbers contestants will wear as they compete – this is always a prestigious and highly anticipated event. Tickets are $30 for non-PRCA Convention attendees. The event take place at Dickies Arena on Tuesday, December 1.

Cowboy Christmas: Dec. 3-12

This free event is a unique Western shopping and lifestyle experience held daily December 3-12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holiday shoppers will find the Fort Worth Convention Center awash in western lifestyle products, original art, furniture, crafts, official PRCA merchandise and more. RMEF's Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo is held in conjunction with Cowboy Christmas.

Stetson Country Christmas Markets: Dec. 3-12

The Stetson Country Christmas and Roper Cowboy Marketplace will take place at Will Rogers Memorial Center December 3-12  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission free. Stetson Cowtown Christmas in the Stockyards is also free and will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here. 

NCHA Futurity Championships: Nov. 19-Dec. 13

While not a NFR-sanctioned event, the NCHA Futurity Championship is the world’s richest indoor horse event and is contested over 25 consecutive days November 19 - December 13 at Will Rogers Memorial Center. Most competition entry is free and open to the public outside of the final performances December 11-13. More here.

Junior World Finals presented by YETI: Dec. 3-12

More than 700 young cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the historic site of the world's first indoor rodeo, Cowtown Coliseum. Schedule of events pending.  

 Billy Bob's Texas Concerts

Billy Bob’s Texas will host (almost nightly) concerts throughout the event dates to satisfy NFR-goers nightlife needs. Current lineup includes The Bellamy Brothers (Dec. 4), Stoney LaRue (Dec. 5), Justin Moore (Dec. 7), Cody Johnson (Sold Out), Pat Green (Dec. 10/11). Stay tuned for additional announcements. 

Fort Worth Rodeo Facts

Globe Life Field just opened in 2020 and plays host to both the World Series and the Wrangler® NFR. Fair Park in Dallas hosted the first National Finals Rodeo in 1959, and the PRCA (then known as the RCA) also held the event there in 1960 and 1961.

Dallas also hosted the barrel racing finals from 1962-65 and Fort Worth hosted the event in 1966. Since then, the WPRA has held its barrel racing event in conjunction with the WNFR. Fort Worth has also hosted the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s College National Finals Rodeo – in 1951 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.