LAS VEGAS, NV – Indian Country’s best cowboys and cowgirls will be at the 45th Indian National Finals Rodeo Oct. 19-23 at South Point Arena in Las Vegas
The Native America version of the larger National Finals Rodeo, which is held every December in Las Vegas, the INFR runs through Saturday with 400-plus Native rough stock and timed-event competitors competing for more than three quarters of a million dollars in cash and prizes.
Each day, the rodeo highlights a cause important to the Native culture. The INFR will be recognizing the flags of supporting tribes again this year with the Parade of Nations. Wednesday is Traditional Day/or Red for Missing Women. Thursday is “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Friday is “Proud To Wear Purple” for Diabetes Awareness Day. The rodeo honors veterans on Saturday.
Judges are Marty Jandreau, Jim Cuttler, Mike Tatsey, and Hank Begay.
Pickup Men include Pete White, John Hall, and Riggin Mortenson.
Bullfighters are Kris Buffalo, Austin Wagner, and NuVassie Blacksmith.
INFR Tour Rodeo of the Year – Flathead River INFR Tour Rodeo, Polson, MT.
Hall of Fame Inductees for 2021 include Dale Bird, Cut Bank, MT., Karl Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M. (posthumously), Jim Gladstone, Canada (posthumously), James Hunt Jr., Faith, SD, and Lynn Mcquire.
2021 INFR Schedule of Events:
Monday, October 18
7:00 PM Back Number Ceremony Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, October 19
12:30 PM INFR – 1st Performance
6:30 PM INFR – 2nd Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Wednesday, October 20 Traditional Day/or Red for Missing women
9-10 AM Jr/Sr Pictures and Check-ins
10-11 AM Jr/Sr Back Number – Main Arena
12:30 PM INFR 1st Performance
6:30 PM INFR 2nd Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Thursday, October 21 “TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK”
9:00 AM Miss Indian Rodeo Traditional Presentations (Monterey Bay)
12:30 PM INFR – 1st Jr/Sr Performance
6:30 PM INFR Performance & Tour Champion Awards
Friday, October 22 “Proud to Wear Purple” for Diabetes Awareness Day
8:00 AM Diabetes Awareness Walk (top of the Escalator by Main Area)
8:30 AM Miss Indian Rodeo Horsemanship Presentations (Main Arena)
12:30 PM INFR 2nd Jr/ Sr Performance
6:00 PM Miss Indian Rodeo Farewell, Coronation, & Awards
6:30 PM INFR Performance
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
Saturday, October 23 RED / White / Blue- “VETRANS DAY”
8:00 AM Classic Ropes present Jr. Roper Championships (alternate arena)
9:00 AM Church Service (Redwood Room)
11:00 AM INFR Consolation round and JR./SR. Rodeo World Championship Round
4:00 PM Hall of Fame Luncheon (Arena VIP Bar) *Tickets available for sale at the INFR Information Booth
6:30 PM INFR World Championship Round
10:15 PM Buckle Ceremony (Grandview Lounge)
