Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – 2020

Gretchen Kirchmann will be covering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) from Arlington, Texas between December 3-12, 2020.  This marks her 12th consecutive year as a credentialed journalist. In 2020 her work will be featured on Alpha Media.  Gretchen is once again collaborating with Britt Bailey from 93.3 The Country Moose in Mason City, Iowa with the special programming Britt on the Road.

Round 1 – Dec. 3, 2020

by: Gretchen Kirchmann

Let’s Play Ball!   Globe Life Field, home to the Texas Rangers stepped up to the plate to host the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.  While there wasn’t the first pitch, the arena did resemble a baseball diamond, probably a 62 carat with 12 bucking chutes adoring the cut.

Since 1985, Las Vegas has hosted the Super Bowl of ProRodeo.  The state of Nevada Covid-19 restrictions prevented large events in Las Vegas so for the second time in history Texas is home to the WNFR in 2020. In 1959 the first National Finals Rodeo was held in Dallas, Texas.  Iowa based stock contractor Barnes PRCA Rodeo from Cherokee had stock at the very first NFR.

Country Music group Runaway June sang the national anthem and past ProRodeo World Champions from Texas were recognized during the opening ceremonies.  Pendleton Whisky was the performance sponsor with a giant graphic displayed on the arena floor.   The signature yellow bucking chutes denoting the Wrangler NFR for fans turned the outfield into a rodeo arena.  The WNFR celebrates its 62nd anniversary.

The million-dollar man Richmond Champion formerly of The Woodlands, Texas won the bareback riding on opening night.  He spurred Blessed Assurance #147 from the J Bar J string for 87.5 points.  For a complete list of Round 1 results click here prorodeo.com