LAS VEGAS, NV – Over 350 contestants representing 70-plus tribes from the United States and Canada are in Las Vegas this week for the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR). They will be competing for more than $1 million in cash and prizes.
The first performance kicks off on Tuesday, October 18th with one performance at 12:30 pm and another at 6:30 pm. Following that there are two rounds for fans to enjoy and attend each day until Saturday, October 22.
In a season that features tour and qualifying rodeos over the course of the year, the INFR organization, based out of Browning, MT, had contestants qualify through 12 different regions but changed the qualification format due to covid.
According to Donna Hoyt, Blackfeet, is the general manager for the INFR, the organization will stay with the current format and reassess before the 2024 season.
The Indian Nationals Finals Rodeo was organized in 1976. The first finals was held in Salt Lake City, UT when several champions Indian cowboys and cowgirls from different regions all came together to compete against each other. Since then the INFR has expanded, sanctioning nearly 700 rodeos nationwide.
Organizers expect a full house in the South Point Equestrian Center with 4,600 seating capacity.
For those interested in watching over the course of the week, all performances will be streamed on Pluto TV, a free streaming service.
