Log In | Become a Member

Osceola County Leaders Working to Lure "Super Bowl of Rodeos"

December 18, 2013 | WMFE - Osceola County leaders are negotiating to bring the "Super Bowl of rodeos" to Central Florida. The National Finals Rodeo has been in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years, but Osceola County leaders are putting together a deal to bring the event here beginning in 2015.

The 20-year deal would bring the National Finals Rodeo to the Amway Center in 2015, and the following year in a brand-new Osceola County arena.

The deal also includes a new music-themed resort, and the county would back $16 million a year in purse money and administrative fees.

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher says the county would get that money back in ticket sales and concessions.

"If we were to get it we could expect a 2,400-seat arena to be sold out every night for 10 days straight. Compare that to the other big sporting events like Super Bowls or whatever the case may be. It is up there at the top."

Fisher says the rodeo generated $90 million in non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas this year.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has agreed to discontinue holding the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas while it considers the offer from Osceola County.

Fisher says the association also has had discussions with Dallas and Oklahoma City.

A final decision could come as early as January. 

 

All active news articles