12/03/2009 – This evening Connie and I attended the opening ceremonies of the 2009 National Finals Rodeo on two tickets that I won in the poker room at the “M” Casino. My neighbor friend Jim Freed also had a ticket so we all went together. We got a complementary shuttle bus at the Southpoint Casino so I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic and parking.
Heidi Newfield was playing at the Cowboy Corral inside the Cox Pavilion prior to the event. Led by Maegan Ridley, 2009 Miss Rodeo America, opening ceremonies included an “Elvis” impersonator, singing of the national anthem, and introductions to each of the riders and champions, plus lasers and fireworks.
Following the opening ceremonies, the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding competed for a share of the $5.75 million purse. First prize purses for the evening were over $17,000.
It was a good night to be a world champion during Round 1 of the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Four past or reigning world champs made their ways to the winner's circle in front of 17,091 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
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