Error encountered in: C:\HostingSpaces\weblevel\forums.barrelhorseworld.com\wwwroot\forum\templates\original\fragments\template-begin.asp
Microsoft VBScript compilation error - Expected statement
First time NFR trip-HELP!
slydin_round_3
Reg. Sep 2009
Posted 2015-08-18 8:09 AM
Subject: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Member


Posts: 21
0
This is the first year I'm going out to the NFR, any help would be greatly appreciated! Where do you like to stay?
Is it worth buying tickets?
If not, where do you like to watch the NFR from in Vegas?
ect, ect, ect!

thanks!
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Red Raider
Reg. Jul 2010
Posted 2015-08-18 9:56 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Toastest with the Mostest


Posts: 5712
5000500100100
Location: That part of Texas
If you've never stayed in Vegas, the one thing you need to know if whether or not your hotel charges a resort fee on top of the room rate.  Some deals don't become so much of a deal when you have to add the resort fee on top of the daily room rate.  You can do a search of hotels who won't charge the fee.  Last year we stayed at the Tropicana (right next to the MGM Grand) without a resort fee and I paid $150 for a 4-night stay there, double bed room.  We had next-door access to the MGM Grand without the MGM price and had access to the monorail system through the MGM.  

As for tickets, some people save up their money to buy great tickets (plaza seating) for one night and then go to the casinos to watch on the others.  OTOH, I've sat in the worst - almost top row - seats in the T&M and didn't think they were really that bad.  Not the same as the Plaza seats but hey, I was there and got to see it in person. 

 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
RocketPilot
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2015-08-18 9:59 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



No Tune in a Bucket


Posts: 2935
200050010010010010025
Location: Texas
I agree that everyone needs the T & M experience for at least 1 night. 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Longneck
Reg. Mar 2004
Posted 2015-08-18 10:13 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Rad Dork


Posts: 5218
5000100100
Location: Oklahoma
Go atleast one night and experience the feeling of it!!  We sat in the upper section on a corner (pretty much the least desirable place) and still loved it.

Buy a monorail ticket and learn the route (they run a 72 hour special for $23-24/ticket) and it's sooo worth it.   

We stayed at the MGM Grand and it was really nice, but on the southern part of the strip and I want to stay closer to the Bellagio and Venetian this year so we'll be staying at the Mirage.

If you stay at one of the M Life hotels be sure and give them your membership card everytime you check out where it's accepted... you'll earn points for money you're spending and those points add up to discounts the next time you stay. 

Plan a LOT of time for the trade shows... it was overwhelming (especially when you have a shopping list or doing Christmas shopping).  Have comfortable shoes and an extra bag to haul home your purchases in!

 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
linds
Reg. Feb 2005
Posted 2015-08-18 10:15 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Expert


Posts: 2531
200050025
Location: WI
I have been twice, went to the rodeo the first year.  I had nosebleeds and would maybe go again if I had really nice seats.  I enjoy watching the live streams in the casinos.  

I stayed at Excalibur and MGM - liked them both.  MGM was nice because they had the NRS show and nice viewing parties each night and nicer rooms, but Excalibur was cheaper and if you like to gamble they had cheaper tables to play.  When we were at the MGM, we walked across the street to Hooters to do most of our gambling.  I think I dropped $100 at the roulette table in MGM in about 8 minutes!
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
JcNhEmI
Reg. Apr 2009
Posted 2015-08-18 10:53 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Living within my means


Posts: 5128
500010025
Location: Randolph, Utah
I prefer to spend more money for good seats and go 1 night then have nosebleeds and go every night I'm there. My first time I had tickets 5 rows from the arena so I guess I got spoiled.

We usually stay at the Excalibur, it's a nice hotel with decent rates. It doesn't have a lot of food options except fast food but it is close to the MGM, and New York New York.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
rachellyn80
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2015-08-18 11:14 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Jr. Detective


5000200010001002525
Location: Beggs, OK
We stayed at MGM and shopped at NRS while we were there.  They had everything, lol  They also shipped it home for you very reasonably so that you don't have to drag it around with you and fly home! 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
RunninOnARooster
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2015-08-18 11:24 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Expert


Posts: 1410
1000100100100100
Location: Peach State
We're going this year. Staying at a smaller casino... Hooters has a deal where a room comes with 2 plaza seats.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Kassi4D
Reg. Jun 2005
Posted 2015-08-18 11:32 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!






Posts: 3006
20001000
Location: OREGON
following this post. I am hoping to go this year too  
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
polorunner
Reg. Nov 2005
Posted 2015-08-18 11:42 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Leggs


Posts: 4680
20002000500100252525
Location: lexington KY
I personally stay at the Mandalay Bay, which works well for me. I go to the NFR to work and one trade show is there so it makes it easier. Plus the hotel is very clean. The first year I was there we took cabs everywhere. Now we rent a car, which I find MUCH easier for us, however it would depend on how much running around you plan to do. If you plan to be in Vegas for the last performance and fly out the next morning, I recommend getting to the airport SUPER early, the lines will be very long as everyone leaves Vegas then. I have flown home on the redeye and flown home the next morning and it is chaos that next morning. I have also stayed at the Luxor in the past, which I personally wouldnt recommend.

I also agree with saving your money and getting good seats for one performance. We did that one year and our seats were great and definitely worth the extra money, then we watched the other perfs in a bar.  
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
cranky B4 10am
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2015-08-18 11:51 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Military family

Witty Enough


Posts: 2954
20005001001001001002525
Location: CTX
We have stayed at Planet Hollywood once, and Excaliber after that.... Just because it was a bit cheaper, we only get to the room to sleep, take a shower or drop off the stuff we bought.....
Friends are either in Excaliber or Luxor...  so we are pretty close to meet up for breakfast and then shopping!! It's close to the MGM, prices are ok.
Enough restaurants if you like fast food, but also plenty good ones around. Might have to walk a little bit. Breakfast ends up being in a mexican place on the strip, very good bloody Mary's and Irish coffee's!!

Mostly we take cabs to get around, but last year we ended up getting a limo so we could fit all 8 people in, in stead of taking 2 cabs. (price is about the same...) And we got the drivers phone#, so when we got done shopping, we'd call him and he would come over to pick us up...
We watch the rodeo from a bar in one of the hotels. But you have to get there early to get a good seat. (not a problem, send hubby to the bar and we follow later.... )
 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Foxy J.R.
Reg. Sep 2003
Posted 2015-08-18 12:24 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Veteran


Posts: 100
100
Location: South Texas
Cranky b4 10 am where is the mexican restaurant you go to for breakfast?  We stay at the Excalibur and the breakfast buffet is expensive in my opinion.  Looking for other options 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
cheryl makofka
Reg. Jan 2011
Posted 2015-08-18 12:58 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


The Advice Guru


Posts: 6419
50001000100100100100
I stay at the Gold Coast, it is off the strip, cheap, rooms are descent. The casino is small enough I can find the other people I travel with.

I rent a car so I can drive wherever I want.

Southpointe has a futurity bucking on the Thursday or Friday that is top notch. I heard they are having mini bucking this year children ages 6-9, this is way off the strip, hence why I like a vehicle.

Shopping

Mandalay bay
The sands
South pointe (small but good)
MGM
Las Vegas convention centre

For shopping look around, don't buy at the first place as some can be pricey

I go to wallmart as soon as I get there and stock up on water, beverages, and snacks I can keep in the room

Bass pro shop is neat to check out but again off the strip

Places to watch on a big screen

South pointe, but I hear you need to get there around noon to get a seat
Gold Coast is where we watch, cheap beer, and can get seats last minute
MGM, never been there to watch

↑ Top ↓ Bottom
3TurnsonSpud
Reg. Apr 2005
Posted 2015-08-18 1:31 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Expert


Posts: 1432
100010010010010025
We usually stay at the Excalibur. Reasonable rooms and they hve several fast food restaurants upstairs if we want something quick.

We rent a car so we can do whatever we want. Hve used taxis and limos in the past.

We usually get tickets from a contestant for at least one performance and watch the other performances on a big screen some where.

We also try to see a show after the performance..

Alot of shopping at the event centers.

I love vegas! A lot of things to do and see.. Hve fun!! You'll wanna go back every year..
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
kboltwkreations
Reg. Mar 2011
Posted 2015-08-18 1:47 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Elite Veteran


Posts: 1037
100025
The first weekend is somewhat less crowded than the 2nd. During the week it is more enjoyable due to less people.
Cabs are expensive but the easiest way to get around. If you have never been to Vegas, there is so much to see and do you will most likely be walking up and down the strip ALOT!
Shopping takes up so much time due to the massive trade shows. We have been for so many years that we have seen pretty much all the shopping has to offer so now try to do other things.
If you are there for the Sunday of the NFR you should check out Elevate Sunday at the MGM. Its a great church service.
let me know if you have any specific Vegas questions :)


This is the first year I'm going out to the NFR, any help would be greatly appreciated!
Where do you like to stay?
Really depends on what you are looking for in a hotel.
MGM and Mandalay Bay are great because you can get an upscale room for less money that some resorts on the north end of the strip. They also both have easy access to the Thomas and Mack, just dont try to walk, its alot farther than it looks! Both also have a trade show attached for shopping. Both are very good, MB has more variety. Both have GREAT restaurants. Other great places to stay on the strip are Aria, Bellagio, Mirage (has the best viewing party IMO but really lacks in restaurants). I would NOT recommend staying at Monte Carlo, but we did watch the NFR from THE PUB there and it was a great time.

Is it worth buying tickets? YES it is absolutely worth it. There isnt a bad seat in the house and there is nothing like being there. Of course Plaza seats are nice, but anywhere is fine to sit. I have sat anywhere from the 1st row to the very top and had a blast everytime.

If not, where do you like to watch the NFR from in Vegas? Mirage, Any bar at MGM (if you want to go to the viewing party in the David Copperfield theater you have to get there super early in the morning for a wristband I do believe. haven't stayed there in a few years during NFR though so not sure)
ect, ect, ect!

thanks!
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
turnum
Reg. Jul 2006
Posted 2015-08-18 3:31 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Extreme Veteran


Posts: 467
1001001001002525
Location: A roping pen near you!!
polorunner - 2015-08-18 12:42 PM I personally stay at the Mandalay Bay, which works well for me. I go to the NFR to work and one trade show is there so it makes it easier. Plus the hotel is very clean. The first year I was there we took cabs everywhere. Now we rent a car, which I find MUCH easier for us, however it would depend on how much running around you plan to do. If you plan to be in Vegas for the last performance and fly out the next morning, I recommend getting to the airport SUPER early, the lines will be very long as everyone leaves Vegas then. I have flown home on the redeye and flown home the next morning and it is chaos that next morning. I have also stayed at the Luxor in the past, which I personally wouldnt recommend.



I also agree with saving your money and getting good seats for one performance. We did that one year and our seats were great and definitely worth the extra money, then we watched the other perfs in a bar.  

 Just wondering whats wrong with the Luxor. We are staying there this year. We are going out for the American Association of Equine Practioners conference and thats one of the hotels they offer a deal at. The meetings are at Mandalay Bay so we thought it would be good because it was cheaper and close to the conference .
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
ThreeCorners
Reg. Nov 2003
Posted 2015-08-18 3:54 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Military family
Tried and True


Posts: 21185
50005000500050001000100252525
Location: Where I am happiest
 I've stayed about everywhere but enjoyed our stay at MGM the most. It is also the best place to watch the perfs. They show it in the theatre and they serve drinks in there,  it is awsome! HUGE screen and it's as good as being there.We prefere to spend for the best seats possible one night and watch from the MGM the other nights. Nothing like being right off the dirt!! Sitting up high is a waste of even going truth be told.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
winwillows
Reg. Jul 2013
Posted 2015-08-18 4:14 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Expert


Posts: 1695
1000500100252525
Location: Willows, CA
We stay at the Mandaly most of the time and like it. Book now, there are still some deals to be had. I have also stayed at the Luxor. If you get the right deal there it can save you a lot of money and the rooms are fine. The other plus side at Luxor is the bridge across the street to Mandaly and all its great places to eat and watch the rodeo without going outside. You can usually get a good deal for tickets on the first night of the rodeo. Being a Thursday, lots of people are not in town yet. Spring for good seats for one night. Another good thing about the first nights perf is that you get to see everyone, as no one is hurt yet. All of the comments about all seats being good are true. T&M is smaller that it looks on TV. Go at least one night, there is a lot going on while they are doing commercials on TV that you don't want to miss.

Edited by winwillows 2015-08-18 4:17 PM
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Red Raider
Reg. Jul 2010
Posted 2015-08-18 4:41 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Toastest with the Mostest


Posts: 5712
5000500100100
Location: That part of Texas
turnum - 2015-08-18 3:31 PM
polorunner - 2015-08-18 12:42 PM I personally stay at the Mandalay Bay, which works well for me. I go to the NFR to work and one trade show is there so it makes it easier. Plus the hotel is very clean. The first year I was there we took cabs everywhere. Now we rent a car, which I find MUCH easier for us, however it would depend on how much running around you plan to do. If you plan to be in Vegas for the last performance and fly out the next morning, I recommend getting to the airport SUPER early, the lines will be very long as everyone leaves Vegas then. I have flown home on the redeye and flown home the next morning and it is chaos that next morning. I have also stayed at the Luxor in the past, which I personally wouldnt recommend.



I also agree with saving your money and getting good seats for one performance. We did that one year and our seats were great and definitely worth the extra money, then we watched the other perfs in a bar.  
 Just wondering whats wrong with the Luxor. We are staying there this year. We are going out for the American Association of Equine Practioners conference and thats one of the hotels they offer a deal at. The meetings are at Mandalay Bay so we thought it would be good because it was cheaper and close to the conference .

I didn't like the Luxor because it was one of the hotels who charged a resort fee for each day on top of the room charge.  It made our vacation package not such a great deal because of that.  We could have gotten a much better room at another hotel for a cheaper price when you added the two of them together. 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
kboltwkreations
Reg. Mar 2011
Posted 2015-08-18 4:50 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Elite Veteran


Posts: 1037
100025
Red Raider - 2015-08-18 4:41 PM

turnum - 2015-08-18 3:31 PM
polorunner - 2015-08-18 12:42 PM I personally stay at the Mandalay Bay, which works well for me. I go to the NFR to work and one trade show is there so it makes it easier. Plus the hotel is very clean. The first year I was there we took cabs everywhere. Now we rent a car, which I find MUCH easier for us, however it would depend on how much running around you plan to do. If you plan to be in Vegas for the last performance and fly out the next morning, I recommend getting to the airport SUPER early, the lines will be very long as everyone leaves Vegas then. I have flown home on the redeye and flown home the next morning and it is chaos that next morning. I have also stayed at the Luxor in the past, which I personally wouldnt recommend.



I also agree with saving your money and getting good seats for one performance. We did that one year and our seats were great and definitely worth the extra money, then we watched the other perfs in a bar.  
 Just wondering whats wrong with the Luxor. We are staying there this year. We are going out for the American Association of Equine Practioners conference and thats one of the hotels they offer a deal at. The meetings are at Mandalay Bay so we thought it would be good because it was cheaper and close to the conference .

I didn't like the Luxor because it was one of the hotels who charged a resort fee for each day on top of the room charge.  It made our vacation package not such a great deal because of that.  We could have gotten a much better room at another hotel for a cheaper price when you added the two of them together. 

Resort Fees are pretty much everywhere now in Vegas especially on the strip. Here is a list of the only hotels without them.

Hotels That DO NOT Have Resort Fees:

· Arizona Charlie's Decatur
· Arizona Charlie's Boulder Highway
· California
· Cannery
· Casino Royale Best Western Plus
· Eastside Cannery
· Elara
· Four Queens
· Fremont Casino
· Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip
· Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas Convention Center
· Hilton Grand Vacations at the Flamingo
· M Resort
· Main Street Station
· Platinum Hotel and Spa
· Wyndham Grand Desert
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
cranky B4 10am
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2015-08-18 7:40 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Military family

Witty Enough


Posts: 2954
20005001001001001002525
Location: CTX
Foxy J.R. - 2015-08-18 12:24 PM Cranky b4 10 am where is the mexican restaurant you go to for breakfast?  We stay at the Excalibur and the breakfast buffet is expensive in my opinion.  Looking for other options 

It is on the strip, next to M&M world, to the right if you are facing it. I think it's called La Salsa cantina.
There is a food court close by,  but that's not it... Usually there will be a line outside there, so not hard to spot. We only go there for breakfast, but it is very good. Not breaking the bank either... And like I said, some off us get teh bloody Mary, but I get 1 (or 2.. ) Irish coffee's....
We try to get a good breakfast in, so we don't really get hungry till almost diner time..... That way we can keep shopping!!!


 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
kboltwkreations
Reg. Mar 2011
Posted 2015-08-19 7:41 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Elite Veteran


Posts: 1037
100025
cranky B4 10am - 2015-08-18 7:40 PM

Foxy J.R. - 2015-08-18 12:24 PM Cranky b4 10 am where is the mexican restaurant you go to for breakfast?  We stay at the Excalibur and the breakfast buffet is expensive in my opinion.  Looking for other options 

It is on the strip, next to M&M world, to the right if you are facing it. I think it's called La Salsa cantina.
There is a food court close by,  but that's not it... Usually there will be a line outside there, so not hard to spot. We only go there for breakfast, but it is very good. Not breaking the bank either... And like I said, some off us get teh bloody Mary, but I get 1 (or 2.. ) Irish coffee's....
We try to get a good breakfast in, so we don't really get hungry till almost diner time..... That way we can keep shopping!!!


 

There is also a La Salsa Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, they have excellent burritos also, and HUGE portions.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
polorunner
Reg. Nov 2005
Posted 2015-08-19 8:11 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Leggs


Posts: 4680
20002000500100252525
Location: lexington KY
Red Raider - 2015-08-18 5:41 PM
turnum - 2015-08-18 3:31 PM
polorunner - 2015-08-18 12:42 PM I personally stay at the Mandalay Bay, which works well for me. I go to the NFR to work and one trade show is there so it makes it easier. Plus the hotel is very clean. The first year I was there we took cabs everywhere. Now we rent a car, which I find MUCH easier for us, however it would depend on how much running around you plan to do. If you plan to be in Vegas for the last performance and fly out the next morning, I recommend getting to the airport SUPER early, the lines will be very long as everyone leaves Vegas then. I have flown home on the redeye and flown home the next morning and it is chaos that next morning. I have also stayed at the Luxor in the past, which I personally wouldnt recommend.



I also agree with saving your money and getting good seats for one performance. We did that one year and our seats were great and definitely worth the extra money, then we watched the other perfs in a bar.  
 Just wondering whats wrong with the Luxor. We are staying there this year. We are going out for the American Association of Equine Practioners conference and thats one of the hotels they offer a deal at. The meetings are at Mandalay Bay so we thought it would be good because it was cheaper and close to the conference .
I didn't like the Luxor because it was one of the hotels who charged a resort fee for each day on top of the room charge.  It made our vacation package not such a great deal because of that.  We could have gotten a much better room at another hotel for a cheaper price when you added the two of them together. 

We have stayed in two rooms in The Luxor, I recommend getting a room in the tower and not a room in the pyramid. Then tower rooms are newer and nicer. We had an issue with the room in the pyramid and it may have been a one time deal, however it wasnt clean at all.  Sometimes things can just be a toss up in Vegas, however I havent been disappointed with the Mandalay yet. 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
rodeoveteran
Reg. Jan 2009
Posted 2015-08-19 8:36 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



I Don't Brag


Posts: 6960
500010005001001001001002525
If we go again, it will be for the bucking stock sale. Not sure if I will like it as much at it's new location, never been to the Southpointe, If you spring for a plaza seat, I guess that is the way to go, but I am too cheap. If I am going to spend a lot of money, it will be to take something home, but like I said, I am cheap, lol. We went to one performance and sat in the upper section. I watched most of the rodeo on the Magnatron, WAY too far away to enjoy the actual rodeo. But then again, I think that the draw of rodeo is the up close and personal experience. You might as well watch it on TV as from the upper section. Seats are close together and no room to stretch out if you are prone to Charlie horses like I am. Also no time to run to the bathroom or concessions without missing something/someone.

We had a pretty crappy room but it was just someplace to sleep and shower, so I didn't care. Rented a car and it cost us about $20 for the 3 days we were there.

If we go back, we might go to one perf, but the bucking stock sale and the trade shows are the bigger draw. I told hubby that we didn't have to go back unless I was entered. Was hoping that a friend of ours would make it in the calf roping so I would have a reason. but hubby's best friend is making noise about the bucking stock sale so I may have to change my mind. The hardest part is leaving my dogs home and leaving the care of my ponies to someone else. Makes it hard to enjoy the stay.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
mreklaw
Reg. May 2008
Posted 2015-08-19 10:27 AM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


I Am a Snake Killer


Posts: 1927
100050010010010010025
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas
I go to Vegas several times a year. During the NFR we always stay at Harrah's. The monorail entrance is right behind it and if you go to the trade shows or like to travel up and down the Strip it is so easy. Buy you a three day pass for the rail. Several cheap eating places close also. We eat breakfast down at a fast food strip joint inside the Flamingo. They have the best bacon, egg and cheese biscuits and they are huge. Most of the casinos now charge the resort fee but some are higher than others. Where ever you stay get a players card and use it when you buy or eat in that hotel or sister hotels and maybe you can get some of your room charges comped. We only pay the resort fees where we stay so 3 nites is only $75 for Harrahs. Also, you can download an app on your Iphone called MyVegas.com. You have to play a lot but you don't have to buy any coins if you play smart and you can get big discounts on rooms, food and rail passes, etc. Most of the casinos have buses to take you to the rodeo for free. Enjoy and if you see an old lady sitting for hours at the Texas Holdum Bonus table its me!!!!
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
farmer's tan
Reg. Dec 2012
Posted 2015-08-19 2:07 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!




10025
I know there are lots of places you can find deals with hotels-their own websites are probably the best. However, I found a website based in Vegas when I went--www.jackcolton.com you put in your email, the dates and they send you some pretty good prices on hotels--25-50% less than hotels.com I checked December 10 weekend and found some really good ones--Luxor and Excaliber at 55-56/night, Mirage 103/night-I hear they have a good after party, Harrahs 70/night and even some really low in the older hotels like the Flamingo at $48/night.
I'm going to assume all on the strip will have an added resort fee.
Wherever you book, you can ask the concierge-even before you arrive where the best place is to get tickets and they might even be able to get them for you.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Nevertooold
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2015-08-19 2:55 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land


Posts: 64864
500050005000500050005000500050005000500050005000200020005001001001002525
Location: In the Hills of Texas
Here's a good link with all kinds of info.

http://nfrexperience.com/
 
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Nevertooold
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2015-08-19 2:56 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land


Posts: 64864
500050005000500050005000500050005000500050005000200020005001001001002525
Location: In the Hills of Texas
rodeoveteran - 2015-08-19 8:36 AM If we go again, it will be for the bucking stock sale. Not sure if I will like it as much at it's new location, never been to the Southpointe, If you spring for a plaza seat, I guess that is the way to go, but I am too cheap. If I am going to spend a lot of money, it will be to take something home, but like I said, I am cheap, lol. We went to one performance and sat in the upper section. I watched most of the rodeo on the Magnatron, WAY too far away to enjoy the actual rodeo. But then again, I think that the draw of rodeo is the up close and personal experience. You might as well watch it on TV as from the upper section. Seats are close together and no room to stretch out if you are prone to Charlie horses like I am. Also no time to run to the bathroom or concessions without missing something/someone. We had a pretty crappy room but it was just someplace to sleep and shower, so I didn't care. Rented a car and it cost us about $20 for the 3 days we were there. If we go back, we might go to one perf, but the bucking stock sale and the trade shows are the bigger draw. I told hubby that we didn't have to go back unless I was entered. Was hoping that a friend of ours would make it in the calf roping so I would have a reason. but hubby's best friend is making noise about the bucking stock sale so I may have to change my mind. The hardest part is leaving my dogs home and leaving the care of my ponies to someone else. Makes it hard to enjoy the stay.

Love the South Point! We stay there every year. We don't like to stay on the strip.  
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
RodeoCowgirl4u
Reg. Aug 2012
Posted 2015-08-19 4:49 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Elite Veteran


Posts: 929
50010010010010025
We also stay at the Excalibur but we get there the Sunday before the rodeo and leave the first Saturday because of the PRCA convention. There are lots of events at South Point if you have a vehicle (we bring our truck and will drive up to Utah to Zion the day before the convention and hooplah starts.) South Point has the bucking horse futurity, the Rookie Wild card rodeo (gives the guys who are "almost" there in points a chance to compete at NFR or pays their PRCA dues for the next year- I can't remember which,) this year is the Mini Buck-out. There are TONS of places to shop and watch the rodeo on the big screens in the bars...but if you have never been I also suggest you go to at least one perf. We like opening night. Excalibur and some of the other hotels have a free shuttle to and from the T&M. We had nosebleed seats last year...quite a work out especially since I was 9 months pregnant, but so worth it! If you can, go up and leave on an "off" day to avoid lines for the airport or traffic driving. Usually it takes us 6-7 hours to get there or back...since we went up on a Sunday and left on a Saturday it cut almost 2 hours off each way.
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
Hudley_SK
Reg. Sep 2010
Posted 2015-08-20 4:18 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


Veteran


Posts: 121
100
Location: SK
I too will be attending NFR for the first time this year, doing it in conjunction with my birthday which is the 6th!!! We will get there the night of the 4th and leave the 8th. Planning to do NFR Sunday or Monday. What is the Flamingo like? It is cheaper but have heard the rooms are still pretty decent? Is there any special shows/after parties that go on during this time? Really wanted to do a Cirque show but figure NFR time there is probably much more we will find to do other than that. What's the best way to split up shopping? Choose a location to tackle each day? or? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! :)
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
kboltwkreations
Reg. Mar 2011
Posted 2015-08-20 4:43 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!



Elite Veteran


Posts: 1037
100025
Hudley_SK - 2015-08-20 4:18 PM

I too will be attending NFR for the first time this year, doing it in conjunction with my birthday which is the 6th!!! We will get there the night of the 4th and leave the 8th. Planning to do NFR Sunday or Monday. What is the Flamingo like? It is cheaper but have heard the rooms are still pretty decent? Is there any special shows/after parties that go on during this time? Really wanted to do a Cirque show but figure NFR time there is probably much more we will find to do other than that. What's the best way to split up shopping? Choose a location to tackle each day? or? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! :)

Cant help you with Flamingo info, never stayed there, but it is central strip so good location for walking.
After parties are at MGM and Mirage or Southpoint if you want to go way out there. Lots of specialty shows at the convention center (flag girl, queens, mini bucking championships, etc.) just check www.nfrexperience.com for the schedule as the NFR gets closer.
You could fit a Cirque show in, if you watched the NFR one night at a hotel and then went to the late show.
There is SO much shopping to take in. I have done Convention Center and Sands in one day, but I was so tired afterwards and hurried through the 2nd trade show. MGM and Mandalay Bay are both smaller and take less time, however they are more difficult to get to. Make sure you are dropped of at MGM convention center side, or Mandalay bay Shark Tank side so you dont have to walk through the WHOLE property.

Have a blast at your first NFR!

Edited by kboltwkreations 2015-08-20 4:45 PM
↑ Top ↓ Bottom
mreklaw
Reg. May 2008
Posted 2015-08-20 6:14 PM
Subject: RE: First time NFR trip-HELP!


I Am a Snake Killer


Posts: 1927
100050010010010010025
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas
Hudley_SK - 2015-08-20 4:18 PM

I too will be attending NFR for the first time this year, doing it in conjunction with my birthday which is the 6th!!! We will get there the night of the 4th and leave the 8th. Planning to do NFR Sunday or Monday. What is the Flamingo like? It is cheaper but have heard the rooms are still pretty decent? Is there any special shows/after parties that go on during this time? Really wanted to do a Cirque show but figure NFR time there is probably much more we will find to do other than that. What's the best way to split up shopping? Choose a location to tackle each day? or? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! :)

The Flamingo rooms suck. Harrahs is close to it and their rooms aren't fancy but cleaner than Flamingo. Plus it is close to rail. I always walk to Sands thru the Venetian one day then next I take rail to Convention Center. They are best but I also go down to MGM for the NRS exhibits. It's not as crowded and you can talk one on one to a lot of the contestants. The Mirage is right across from Harrahs and they have a great party during and after rodeo. If you want to watch weirdness go Downtown. They have a laser light show and a lot of country bands performing. Unbelievable what you see down there!
↑ Top ↓ Bottom