The Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena to host rodeo events during NFR
Downtown Christmas Expo returns and adds visits with Santa Claus
Proud to continue the western legacy in downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will again serve as a hotel sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and host numerous professional rodeo events at its outdoor equestrian facility, the CORE Arena, Dec. 4-16.
Professional rodeo events at the CORE Arena include youth and senior division competitions and are free to attend:
- U.S. Shootout Finals – Dec. 4-6
- Rope for the Crown – Dec. 8-12
- Las Vegas Stars – Dec. 7-16
- Big Time Barrel Racing – Dec. 10-12
- Junior and Youth Breakaway / Tie-Down Championships – Dec. 11-14
- Senior Pro Chute Out – Dec. 15-16
The CORE Arena offers covered and uncovered equine stalls, including the largest stalls in the city. 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 takes over the Plaza’s third floor convention space from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 7-16. The carefully curated shopping event features a diverse array of 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. Free to attend, the Downtown Christmas Expo is a marquee part of the memorable Western experience in Las Vegas every December.
As a special treat for younger attendees, this year, Santa Claus will be at the Downtown Christmas Expo daily from noon to 2 p.m. Shoppers can also bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to a toy drive to benefit St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, a local nonprofit that provides a community of hope and healing to help children and youth who have been abused, neglected, homeless, and/or exploited.
Other rodeo related events include Ropesmart Ropes For The World Dummy Roping a free event that will be held in the entry hall of the Plaza’s third floor convention space, Dec. 14-16. And each night inside the Plaza’s showroom, NFR enthusiasts can attend a free Wrangler NFR watch party. The family-friendly watch party starts at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) and will offer nightly prizes and giveaways as well as special guest appearances. The Plaza will also offer free shuttle service to and from the NFR’s evening events at the Thomas & Mack Center.
After the evening’s rodeo events conclude, guests can enjoy beer, craft cocktails, and live country rock bands at The Sand Dollar Downtown. The full lineup of country music acts performing nightly is online. There is no cover for the shows, and guests must be 21 years or older.
With multiple rodeo events at the CORE Arena as well as free viewing parties, live entertainment, the Downtown Christmas Expo, and complimentary shuttle service, the Plaza is an unparalleled destination for NFR. To learn more, visit: https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/nfr/.
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 1971 and 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 also is home to Pinkbox Doughnuts and downtown’s first and only smokefree, 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 comprise an 80,000-square-foot casino floor. A rooftop pool and recreation deck with private cabanas, hot tub, food truck, and dedicated Pickleball courts, provide 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/.
