There are several options for watching the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). The NFR is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely considered the world championships of rodeo. Here are some of the ways you can watch the NFR:
Watch on CBS Sports Network
CBS Sports Network has broadcast rights for the NFR and will air all 10 days of the event. This is the best option for watching the NFR on cable TV. CBS Sports Network is available through most cable packages. You can check with your local cable provider to see what channel CBS Sports Network is available on in your area.
Stream on The Cowboy Channel Plus
The Cowboy Channel Plus will also be airing all 10 days of the NFR this year. This is a streaming service specifically geared towards Western sports and lifestyle programming. The Cowboy Channel Plus can be accessed on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, computers, and mobile devices. An annual subscription costs $9.99/month.
Purchase the Wrangler NFR Experience
The Wrangler NFR Experience is a pay-per-view event that lets you livestream the NFR. This can be purchased through cable and satellite providers for $99. Access includes live action, highlights, interviews, stats and more. The Wrangler NFR experience can be watched on smart TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones and other connected devices.
Follow on Social Media
If you can’t watch events live, following the official NFR social media accounts is a great way to keep up with real-time updates from the rodeo. Accounts like @WranglerNFR on Twitter and @nfrofficial on Instagram post highlights, interviews, results and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. This is a good option for getting news and updates from the rodeo.
Listen on Rural Radio
Rural Radio on SiriusXM will provide live radio play-by-play coverage of the NFR. They will broadcast every ride, every night of the rodeo. This is a good option if you’re on the go during the NFR and want to listen to live coverage.
Attend In-Person
The best way to experience the NFR is to attend the event in-person. The NFR takes place every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased online through retailers like Ticketmaster. Attending the event in-person allows you to be part of the action and excitement.
Find a Local Western Bar
Many bars and restaurants across the country will also broadcast the NFR as part of watch parties. This is a fun way to watch with other rodeo fans. Check with local country/western bars in your area to see if they will be showing the NFR.
Conclusion
There are several ways to watch and follow the NFR each year. The best options for watching on TV are through CBS Sports Network or The Cowboy Channel Plus. Listening on Rural Radio is a good option for audio-only coverage. And following on social media or attending in-person let you really feel the energy and excitement. Choose the NFR viewing experience that aligns best with your preferences and budget.
| Option | Where to Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CBS Sports Network | Cable TV | Included with cable package |
| The Cowboy Channel Plus | Streaming service | $9.99/month |
| Wrangler NFR Experience | Cable/Satellite PPV | $99 one-time |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Free |
| Rural Radio | SiriusXM Radio | SiriusXM subscription required |
| In-Person | Thomas & Mack Center – Las Vegas, NV | Varies by seat |
Watching the NFR on CBS Sports Network
CBS Sports Network will provide live TV coverage of all 10 days of the NFR. This is a part of their multi-year deal with the PRCA as the official network broadcast partner for the rodeo. CBS Sports Network can be accessed through most cable and satellite packages with a standard sports tier add-on. Check with your provider to confirm that you receive CBS Sports Network. This is likely the most convenient cable/TV option for watching the rodeo.
CBS Sports Network will air each 2-hour performance live, with reruns of each performance also in their schedule. They also provide additional NFR-related programming like highlights, interviews and analysis. Broadcast announce team will include play-by-play announcer Craig Hummer and analyst Jeff Medders. If you have access to CBS Sports Network through your cable/satellite package, then no additional purchase or subscription is needed to watch the NFR.
The Cowboy Channel Plus App
The Cowboy Channel Plus mobile app and online streaming service will also provide complete live event coverage of the 2022 NFR. This is a good option for cord-cutters and those without access to CBS Sports Network. With The Cowboy Channel Plus, you can stream the NFR on smart TVs, mobile devices, computers and other connected platforms.
The Cowboy Channel Plus costs $9.99 per month. But they are offering new users a 7-day free trial during the NFR so you can stream all 10 days of the rodeo for free. Their broadcast team includes rodeo veterans Jeff Medders, Butch Knowles, and Matt West. With The Cowboy Channel Plus, you get access to 6 channels of exclusively Western lifestyle and sport content.
Purchase the Wrangler NFR Experience
The PRCA also offers their own official pay-per-view event – the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Experience. This can be purchased as a one-time PPV event through cable/satellite providers. Contact your local provider to see if they carry the Wrangler NFR Experience and order it through their site or office. The cost is $99 for all 10 rodeo performances.
The Wrangler NFR Experience provides the live action of each rodeo performance. It also includes highlights, replays, interviews, statistics, breaking news and analysis. Ordering the PPV also gives you access to stream the rodeo on additional devices like smartphones, tablets and computers. So you can start watching on your TV, then pick up where you left off on your mobile device.
Get Updates on Social Media
Following the major social media accounts like @WranglerNFR on Twitter and @nfrofficial on Instagram is a great option if you can’t watch the live broadcasts. These accounts provide play-by-play, highlights, photos/videos, interviews and official results in real-time. So it’s easy to stay updated as all the action unfolds.
Most of the content is available to anyone for free. But some platforms like Instagram Stories limit access unless you have an account and follow their profile. Be sure to also follow competitor and announcer accounts for more perspectives. Social media is a very convenient option for keeping up with the NFR when you’re on the go.
Listen on Rural Radio
Fans can listen to live NFR radio coverage on Rural Radio, a channel on SiriusXM satellite radio. Rural Radio will air every single ride from every night of the rodeo. This is a commercial-free broadcast that lets listeners follow along through expert play-by-play. It’s perfect if you can’t watch but still want to closely follow the action.
Of course, you’ll need an active SiriusXM subscription package to access Rural Radio. Subscriptions can be purchased on the SiriusXM website or app. Once you have SiriusXM, Rural Radio is channel 147. Tune in every night during the NFR for live broadcast coverage direct from Las Vegas.
Attend the NFR in Las Vegas
Attending the NFR is a one-of-a-kind experience that every rodeo fan should try. The event takes place every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. It features 120 top cowboys competing across 7 main events – bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
Tickets to attend can be purchased online through sites like Ticketmaster. You can choose single-event tickets or packages for the full 10 days. Prices vary widely based on seat location. The atmosphere is exhilarating with live announcers, music and cheering crowds. Attending the NFR lets you see the action up close and feel the excitement first-hand.
Visiting Las Vegas for the NFR is a whole experience beyond just the rodeo events. There are contests, parties, concerts, autograph signings and other special events happening all across town. It’s a pilgrimage for any rodeo fan. Plan your hotel, airfare and complete itinerary to make the most of your trip to the NFR. Seeing it live and in-person should be on every fan’s bucket list.
Find a Local Watch Party
Many bars and restaurants host watch parties for the NFR, especially across the western United States. This is a fun way to watch with other excited rodeo fans. The atmosphere is rowdy and energetic at these establishment as patrons cheer on their favorite cowboys together.
Check event calendars and social media for local bars or eateries in your area promoting an NFR watch party. Places like sports bars, grills, saloons and country/western venues often show the national rodeo finals. Watch parties may feature drink specials, prize giveaways and specialty menus as part of the festivities.
Call ahead to confirm a place is showing the NFR if it’s not clearly advertised. Some watch parties are free to attend while others may charge a cover at the door. Arrive early to get a good spot. Attending a watch party is a great choice for NFR fans wanting a communal rodeo viewing experience.
Key Takeaways
Some of the key takeaways about watching the NFR include:
- CBS Sports Network provides convenient live TV broadcast coverage of all 10 days through cable/satellite packages
- The Cowboy Channel Plus app offers complete NFR streaming for $9.99/month
- A $99 PPV purchase allows you to watch through the Wrangler NFR Experience
- Social media accounts give real-time updates, content and results during the rodeo
- SiriusXM radio brings every ride and action with play-by-play on Rural Radio
- Attending the event in Las Vegas is the ultimate experience for serious fans
- Bars, restaurants and venues often host lively watch parties
Choose the viewing option that best fits your needs and budget. Several choices allow you to watch the NFR live, on-demand, online or through social media. Compare all the ways to watch so you can tune in to all the intense bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more!