NFR 2026 Schedule

Published 2026-09-06 · Updated 2026-09-06

The 2026 National Finals Rodeo runs ten rounds over ten consecutive nights, December 3–12, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Here's the full round-by-round schedule and how nightly start times line up across U.S. time zones.

NFR 2026 Round-by-Round Schedule

RoundDateVenue
Round 1Dec 3, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 2Dec 4, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 3Dec 5, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 4Dec 6, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 5Dec 7, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 6Dec 8, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 7Dec 9, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 8Dec 10, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 9Dec 11, 2026Thomas & Mack Center
Round 10Dec 12, 2026Thomas & Mack Center

NFR 2026 Start Time by Time Zone

NFR performances have traditionally started in the early evening Pacific time. Exact confirmed start times are set closer to the event by the PRCA and The Cowboy Channel — check your viewing option directly for the confirmed time before Round 1. As a general guide, a 6:45 PM PT start converts roughly as follows:

Time ZoneApprox. Start
Pacific (PT)6:45 PM
Mountain (MT)7:45 PM
Central (CT)8:45 PM
Eastern (ET)9:45 PM

Times are approximate and based on recent years' patterns. Always confirm the exact nightly start time through your broadcast provider closer to the event, since it can shift by round.

The 10-Round Format, Explained

Unlike most rodeos, the NFR isn't single-elimination. All 15 qualifiers in each event compete in every one of the ten rounds, earning money both for their round finish and toward a ten-round aggregate total. World champions are typically decided by combining regular-season earnings with NFR earnings, which is why standings can shift significantly across the ten nights.

Next: check the TV broadcast schedule, see results once rounds begin, or return to the NFR Live hub.