ProRodeo Sports News - Nov.20, 2020

TIME CAPSULE THEN & NOW

National Finals Rodeo returns to Texas BY MATT NABER Back to its Roots DeVere Helfrich photo The first NFR was held in Dallas, and the first competitors to buck were the top bareback riders of the 1959 season. Pictured above (back row, from left) are Clyde Frost, Benny Reynolds, Guy Weeks, Bert France, Eddy Akridge, Walt Mason, Ralph Buell, Buddy Peak, Frank Rhoades. (Front row, from left) Elliott Calhoun, Jack Buschbom, John Hawkins, Don L. Wilson, Jim Shoulders and Bernis Johnson.

• JimNorick Arena, Oklahoma City (1965-78) Oklahoma City (1979-84) •Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas (1985-2019)

T he Wrangler National Finals Rodeo needed a home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and there was no better option than returning to its roots and having a homecoming of sorts at the freshly minted Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The first NFR was held at the Dallas State Fairgrounds in 1959 with a crowd of 54,000 watching the top competitors in the Rodeo Cowboys Association duke it out for their share of $50,000. At that time, team roping, steer roping and barrel racing were held at an alternate venue, Clayton, N.M. The annual event remained in Dallas until 1961, then moved to: • Los Angeles Sports Arena (1962-64)

• Myriad Arena,

DeVere Helfrich photo Saddle bronc rider Winston Bruce won his 1961 world title in Dallas. Bruce won $741 by placing fifth in the average at the 1961 NFR and won the world with $20,833.

Because theThomas &Mack Center could not safely host fans at the NFR in accordance with Nevada health guidelines due to the pandemic, the NFR moved to Globe Life Field. The Finals are scheduled to return to Las Vegas in 2021.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/20/2020

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

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