LAS VEGAS (Nov. 19, 2025) – Proud to continue the western legacy in downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will again server as a hotel sponsor of the Wrangler National Final Rodeo (NFR) and host numerous free rodeo events at its outdoor equestrian center, the CORE Arena, Dec. 5-13. The Downtown Christmas Expo, a curated western wear shopping event, also returns to the Plaza’s convention center, Dec 4-13, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free rodeo events at the CORE Arena include:
- Hooey Junior Patriot Las Vegas College Showdown events, Dec. 11-13
- Cowboy Town Showdown Cinch Ranch Sorting National Championships, Dec. 5-7
- Rope for the Crown Breakaway Championship, Dec. 6-7
- Cattle Dog National Trials, Dec. 8-10
- Las Vegas Stars Tie-Down & Breakaway, Dec. 11-14
The RopeSmart Rope For The World Dummy Roping will also be held in the entry hall of the Plaza’s third floor convention space, Dec. 11-13.
The Plaza is offering special NFR hotel room rates, starting at $79 a night. And the CORE Arena offers covered and uncovered equine stalls for rental during NFR. Coupled with 24-hour onsite security, the Plaza makes it easy for rodeo participants and enthusiasts to “kiss their horses goodnight,” knowing their animals will be safe while they enjoy their evening just steps away, playing on the casino floor or eating a delicious steak dinner at Oscar’s Steakhouse.
The Downtown Christmas Expo again takes over the Plaza’s third-floor convention space from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 4-13. The carefully curated shopping event features a diverse array of premium apparel and accessory designers, artisans, jewelers, and Western couture. With dozens of Western industry vendors, including its top makers and trend setters, the expo showcases exclusive looks and products. The Downtown Christmas Expo is free to attend and offers parking validation with purchase.
Each night of NFR, the Plaza will host two free watch parties. A family-friendly watch party sponsored by American Hat Company will take place inside the Plaza’s showroom at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) and will offer nightly prizes and giveaways as well as special guest appearances. A VIP watch party sponsored by American Hat Company and Crown Royal will be held in the Sand Dollar Downtown for guest 21 years of age or older and offer commemorative photo ops, drink specials, and live entertainment after NFR concludes.
With multiple rodeo events at the CORE Arena as well as free viewing parties, the Downtown Christmas Expo, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the NFR’s evening events at the Thomas & Mack Center, the Plaza is an unparalleled destination for NFR. To learn more, visit: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/nfr/.
Editor’s Note: Download high-resolution photos of prior NFR events at the Plaza and CORE Arena at https://tinyurl.com/4rjfhsdw
About the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling and personal customer service for the ultimate Vegas experience. First opened in 1971and built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot at 1 Main Street, the Plaza has transformed its historic location into a one-of-a-kind destination for cocktails, gaming, entertainment, and dining. Its glittering porte-cochère is home to the outdoor Carousel Bar that offers handmade cocktails inside a life-sized, animated Vegas-themed carousel setting. The Main Street entrance is also home to Pinkbox Doughnuts and downtown’s first and only smoke-free, social media-friendly gaming space created in partnership with social media influencer Brian Christopher. The Plaza has nearly 1,000 modern rooms and suites, a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall, live music at the Sand Dollar Downtown, and 30,000 sq. ft. of refurbished ballroom and meeting space. The Plaza brought the rodeo back to downtown with its CORE Arena, downtown’s only outdoor equestrian and multipurpose facility. Guests enjoy a variety of dining options led by the renowned Oscar’s Steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome and on a rooftop patio overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. A lounge-style sports book, along with hundreds of slot machines and nearly two dozen table games, comprises an 80,000-square-foot casino floor. A rooftop pool and recreation deck with private cabanas, hot tub, food truck, and dedicated Pickleball courts provides a variety of outdoor amenities. For more information on the multiple award-winning Plaza Hotel & Casino, visit www.plazahotelcasino.com. Get updates via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About the CORE Arena
Located adjacent to the Plaza Hotel & Casino, the CORE Arena is an outdoor equestrian center in downtown Las Vegas. The venue opened in December 2018 with two outdoor arenas for roping practice and exercise and hosting numerous events related to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and Junior NFR. With 80 equine stalls for year-round use, it is easy for rodeo enthusiasts to “kiss their horses goodnight,” knowing their animals will be safe as they enjoy their evening just steps away playing on the casino floor or having a delicious steak dinner at Oscar’s Steakhouse. The CORE Arena is also a multipurpose outdoor event venue enabling the Plaza to host a variety of events – from sporting events to demolition derbies – further diversifying the downtown experience and attracting more business and people to the area all year long. For more details, visit https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/core-arena/.
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy E. S. Maier, The Warren Group, amy@twgpr.com, 702-904-0296
