Saddle up - the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is heading back into town!

Widely acknowledged as the premier rodeo and held annually in Las Vegas since 1985, the competition showcases the very best riders, barrel racers and livestock in the world. This year, the 10-day event returns to the Thomas & Mack Center from Dec. 3 through 12.

“The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the ‘Super Bowl’ of Rodeo,” WNFR general manager Shawn Davis explained to the Vegas Guide. “Every rodeo contestant competes all year long for a chance to be one of the top 15 in the seven different events.”

Already scheduled to make appearances are reigning champs Trevor Brazile, Kaycee Feild, Luke Branquinho, Sherry Cervi, Spencer Wright, Tuf
Cooper, Fallon Taylor and Sage Kimzey.

Of course, that’s not including the other 100 or so competitors who will vie for glory in the categories of bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

The total prize money at stake for 2015? “A record $10 million,” said Davis, a 1979 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee.

With more than 100,000 spectators already committed to seats in the arena, organizers say the wait list is the best option for those interested in watching the competition.

Other activities happening around the WNFR are sure to entertain aspiring cowboys and cowgirls who want to learn more about the Western way of life. For instance, rodeo champs don’t win trophies, they win belt buckles and the presentation ceremonies are as highly anticipated as the buckles themselves. The nightly buckle presentation in South Hall is a must-see, as is the official trade show known as Cowboy Christmas, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center the same week as the rodeo.

— Genevieve Wong, Tribune Content Solutions