PSN_Dec3 2028

VIVA LAS VEGAS: Inside the decision that changed the NFR forever By Alex Dodd T he National Finals Rodeo changed forever on Dec. 12, 1984. After 12 hours of PRCA board deliberation – with during the NFR, served as the PRCA President during those long discussions.

After hours of discussion at the Antlers Hotel in down town Colorado Springs, Colo., the board held a straw vote before breaking for lunch and returning for the final tally. The straw vote swung in favor of Oklahoma City, 6-4. But when the board returned and started the final vote, it was closer. And with a tie in the room, Davis was called into action as the PRCA President to decide whether to head to Las Vegas or stick with the Sooner State. “When it came to the final vote, we went around and took the vote, and it came out tied,” Davis said. “And they said to me, ‘Mr. President, it’s up to you.’ And I said, ‘We’re going to Las Vegas.’” Davis and his vice president, Larry Mahan, broke the

input from the governors of Oklahoma and Nevada, may ors of Oklahoma City and Las Vegas, representatives from each city’s chamber of commerce and words from each state’s U.S. Senators – the board narrowly voted to move the 1985 NFR to Las Vegas. Oklahoma City, Okla., served as the home of PRORO DEO’s culminating event for 20 years from 1965-1984. The move was drastic but turned out to be the right deci sion and this year, from Dec. 4-13, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will return to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for its 40-year anniversary. Shawn Davis, who will celebrate his 85th birthday

Shawn Davis being introduced at the NFR. (PRCA file photo)

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