Wrangler NFR ProRodeo Zone has fan-friendly fun galore, before and after rodeo

It's fun to be a fan at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Most big-time sporting events are surrounded by a number of fan-friendly activities, and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is no different.

Fans who make their way to the Thomas & Mack Center have a treat waiting for them, and it's called the Wrangler NFR ProRodeo Zone. Located in front of the home of the 10-day rodeo, the ProRodeo Zone has all kinds of booths, displays, tents and interactive areas to entertain fans before and after the rodeo each night.

Whether it's having a cold one and tackling a mechanical bull in the Coors tent, enjoying a pre-rodeo concert at the outdoor stage, taking in GAC TV's preview show that's broadcast from the Zone or seeing a horse-training exhibition in the Priefert arena, fans can enjoy themselves when the rodeo action isn't rocking the UNLV dome. Go-round winners head to the ProRodeo Zone after each night's performance to sign autographs, and there are plenty of raffles and free loot to pick up.

Fans can find some goodies in the Hesston tent and also get an interactive tour of a Justin Sportsmedicine Trailer that travels throughout the country each year helping contestants stay as healthy as possible and deal with injuries. It's a pretty neat experience.

I've seen the Zone grow and evolve through the years, and fans seem to love hanging out in there. It was packed Sunday night before Round 4, and I chatted it up with a few fans to get their thoughts on the festivities.

Lance Logan and his wife, Ann, have been coming to the Wrangler NFR for more than a decade from their home in Swisher, Iowa, and the couple were having a good time in the Zone before the rodeo.

"This is great," said Lance Logan, who is a big fan of saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell. "You get on the (shuttle) buses, want to get here on time and get a little entertainment, and the band is especially nice. We keep coming back, and Las Vegas always treats us very well."

The Logans also enjoy the activities around town for rodeo fans.

"There's country Western dancing at Gilly's, Hooters and the South Point, and we try to hit them all," Logan said. "You never get bored here. That's a fact."

Adam Bink of Great Falls, Mont., was attending the Wrangler NFR for the first time in more than a decade, and he and his wife, Tina, were impressed by the fan-friendly additions that have been implemented in that time.

"There are a lot more things here now than 10 years ago," Adam Bink said. "There's lots of different venues and events to give everybody something to do while they're waiting for the rodeo. It's pretty entertaining, and there's always something to do every day.

"There's always something new to see, and it's not always the same thing, so that keeps you here longer."

I ran into ProRodeo Hall of Fame bull rider Don Gay next to the GAC set as he was waiting to go on the preview show to talk about bull riding, and I couldn't resist asking the eight-time world champion bull rider about his opinion of the Zone and its activities for fans.

"There are all kinds of things to do, and all of the sponsors and hotels are getting to participate," Gay said. "A rodeo on television goes by so fast, but out here, fans can digest everything and learn something. I think fans who have tickets and come to Las Vegas for the NFR can participate, and I think they're the beneficiaries."

Gay thinks interactive areas like the ProRodeo Zone can do great things to grow the sport across the nation.

"We've done a bad job during my life of educating people about how fun rodeo is and how cost-effective and inexpensive it is compared to other sports, and the access is so much easier," Gay said. "You've got everything here to take this thing to the next level. This could be huge for rodeo, and with GAC, I think we can get a regular telecast that people nationwide can be confident will be on for a long time."

It's clear the sport appreciates those who support it and help it thrive.

"Rodeo cowboys really love their fans and are really appreciative, and we appreciate them," Logan said.

Neal Reid is a freelance writer based in Colorado Springs, Colo., who spent five years as editor of the ProRodeo Sports News and who has written for USA Today, ESPN, ESPNW, American Cowboy, Western Horseman and The Associated Press. This is his ninth Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.