Haute on the Ranch: Travel Tips for the NFR

If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of people flocking to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, traveling smart should be on your to do list. Already bustling with everyday tourists, the crowds in Sin City during the NFR might be overwhelming at times, so knowing the best ways to get around will be your ace in the hole. 

The second installment of Savannah Sevens NFR Insider Series brings you tips on your travel to Las Vegas as well as commuting once you touch down in the desert. Don’t get stuck trekking the sidewalk in boots or waiting hours for an Uber – you have way too much rodeo to watch!

Don’t Pay Extra For Heavy Bags

Styled looks from our 2024 NFR Collection 

Who wants to pay unnecessary baggage fees when you could spend that money at Cowboy Christmas? Avoid bringing your entire closet to Las Vegas by trying on each outfit before packing. When you are able to finalize the details of each look, you will eliminate the additional weight of too many boots, belts and jewelry that will most likely just sit in your hotel room anyway. And here’s a bonus, with your outfits planned out, you will be able to get ready for the rodeo much more quickly.

Don’t Give Car Services All Your $$$

It may seem like the obvious option to open up your Uber app every time you need transportation, but that can get costly very quickly. And at certain times of night, you could be waiting a while for your driver to show up. 

Did you know that the NFR Experience provides shuttle bus services to Thomas and Mack Center for free? There are 14 different routes that pick up and drop off at every official host hotel. This not only gets you to the rodeo, but also allows you to plan your afterparty destination. Checkout the NFR Express Shuttle Bus Service website for all the details.

Pro Tip: If you can tear yourself away from the bull riding action and leave the rodeo before the last couple of riders, you can beat the mass exodus of spectators and get a seat on the bus that’s headed where you want to go. Isn’t there always happiness in not waiting in lines?

Location, Location, Location

If you haven’t made hotel accommodations yet, Savannah 7s has a few suggestions of places to consider because of their accessibility to all things NFR. 

• Resorts World – For the fourth year in a row, Resorts World will transform into “Rodeo World” during the NFR hosting watch parties, meet-and-greets, and live performances at their Rodeo Vegas afterparty. In addition to their NFR-coordinated events, they also have an underground Tesla tunnel that connects directly to the Convention Center for easy shopping access.
• Virgin Hotel – Located less than a mile to Thomas and Mack Center, you’ll be able to hoof it in 15 minutes if necessary. Also, one of the most anticipated concerts of the NFR will take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotel. Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen will play Sunday, Dec. 8 for one night only.
• The Signature at MGM Grand – If you’ll be in Las Vegas for more than a few days, these suite style rooms are the way to go. Even their entry level suite has a full kitchenette and sitting room, perfect to spread out and cook meals. There is no casino to walk through; it provides easy access to The Monorail; and is only 1.5 miles to Thomas and Mack Center.
• South Point Hotel – One of the epicenters of the NFR, this hotel hosts a variety of events from the Gold Buckle Gala to Miss Rodeo America. It’s also home to the National Finals Breakaway Roping, the Bucking Horse and Bull Sale, and the World Series of Team Roping Finale. If you’re not able to attend the NFR each night, you’ll have plenty to do right here.

Need a quick reference of these travel tips? Take a screenshot of this cheat sheet to save for later.