The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is one of the most popular rodeo events in the world. For 10 straight days in December, the top 15 competitors in each major rodeo event come together in Las Vegas to compete for the world championship title. With so much excitement and star power, it’s no wonder fans are eager to watch the NFR live.
Watch on TV
The most straightforward way to watch the NFR is on TV. The rodeo airs live on The Cowboy Channel every night for all 10 days of the event. The Cowboy Channel is available through many cable and satellite providers across the United States. If you don’t have access through your TV provider, don’t worry, there are still options to watch.
Stream The Cowboy Channel
Fans can stream The Cowboy Channel live online even if they don’t have access through cable or satellite. Services like Philo TV and FuboTV both include The Cowboy Channel in certain package options and offer free trials for new users. Once signed up, just log in through their website or app to watch the NFR live.
Watch on RFD-TV
RFD-TV is another network that airs all 10 days of the NFR live. This channel is available on many cable/satellite packages and can also be streamed through services like Sling TV and FuboTV. So if you already have access to RFD-TV through your provider or streaming service, just tune in each night for live NFR action.
Purchase the Wrangler Network Livestream
The Wrangler Network offers an online pay-per-view livestream directly from the NFR. Fans can purchase a package to livestream all 10 days of the rodeo in high definition. The stream can be viewed on desktop, mobile devices, tablets, connected TVs, and more. Pricing varies based on how many days you want to watch, but packages that include the full 10-day event tend to cost around $200-$250 USD.
Pros of the Wrangler Livestream
- Watch in high definition
- Access from almost any device
- Full 10-day access with a single purchase
Cons of the Wrangler Livestream
- More expensive than other streaming options
- Requires reliable high-speed internet
- No free trial available
Use a VPN
If you live outside the United States, you may not be able to access the US TV networks and streaming services that air the NFR. However, using a VPN (virtual private network) allows you to bypass geographic restrictions. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a reliable VPN service. Make sure it has US-based servers.
- Connect to a US server once signed into the VPN service.
- This will make it appear like you’re accessing the internet from within the US.
- Now you can access US networks like The Cowboy Channel to stream the NFR live.
Quality VPN services often have free trial periods, so you can test this approach risk-free before spending any money.
Watch at a Bar or Restaurant
If you happen to be traveling or live in an area without access to the NFR broadcasts, watching at a local bar or restaurant is an option. Many establishments will air the major rodeo events on their televisions for guests. Just call ahead to see if any bars or restaurants in your area plan to show the NFR.
This allows you to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of watching with other fans. However, keep in mind you’ll likely have to purchase food and drinks and won’t have the ability to rewind or pause the action.
Listen on the Radio
Can’t watch the event live but still want to follow along? Consider listening on the radio. The NFR is broadcast nationwide on rural radio stations across the US. Just search for an affiliate station in your local area to tune in.
While you won’t get the visuals of watching live, you can still hear the play-by-play commentary and get real-time results and updates.
Follow on Social Media
If you can’t watch or listen at all, social media can keep you updated throughout the event. The official NFR accounts provide news, highlights, interviews, results, and more.
Follow these accounts for the latest NFR updates:
- Facebook: @LasVegasNFR
- Twitter: @LasVegasNFR
- Instagram: @LasVegasNFR
- YouTube: @PRCARodeo
The competitors also often post updates from the arena on their own feeds.
Attend In-Person
Nothing beats the electricity and excitement of attending the NFR live in Las Vegas. While tickets sell out extremely fast, they can still be purchased in a few ways:
- Buy directly from the Thomas & Mack Center box office (if available)
- Purchase resale tickets on sites like Vivid Seats or StubHub
- Join the waitlist on NFRexperiences.com for last minute ticket releases
Attending the event in person allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and create lifelong rodeo memories.
Conclusion
The Wrangler NFR brings together the best of the best in rodeo for 10 epic nights. Luckily, there are many ways for fans to watch all the action, even if they can’t make it to Las Vegas in person. By tuning into the TV broadcasts, live streaming through the Wrangler Network or a VPN, listening on the radio, or following social media, rodeo enthusiasts around the world can still join in on the excitement.
With so many viewing options available, there’s no reason to miss a single second of the most prestigious rodeo event of the year. Find your ideal way to watch, and get ready to cheer on your favorite cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for the coveted world championship title at the NFR!