CNFR 2025 Breaks Attendance Records

July 23, 2025—Casper, Wyoming—The College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) had another record-breaking year, with 25,912 total tickets being sold to the 2025 event.

CNFR directly contributed $2,962,145 into the local Casper economy from June 15-21, 2025, with top spending in lodging, transportation, food & beverage, retail and recreation.

“The sport of rodeo is alive and well in Casper and Wyoming,” said Jim Dewey Brown, NIRA Commissioner. “CNFR 2025 was another incredible event and brought the top college rodeo athletes and coaches to Casper, as well as spectators who traveled from near and far to support the rodeo.”

Visit Casper works collaboratively with NIRA and the Ford Wyoming Center to effectively market CNFR and make it a must-attend event during the summer season, while spectators enjoy a week of the best college rodeo action in the U.S. Top markets for 2025 ticket sales included Casper/Riverton, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Twin Falls, Rapid City, Portland, Houston, Idaho Falls and Los Angeles.

“CNFR is one of Casper’s most iconic events,” said Annette Pitts, CEO of Visit Casper. “It’s an honor to celebrate and honor the sport of rodeo, while welcoming the best college athletes to the heart of Wyoming.”

Visit Casper utilized various strategies and tactics to market CNFR, including:

· Social media ads in several markets, including South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming

· News releases to target media promoting the event

· Editorial coverage about CNFR in key media outlets

· Influencer campaigns with five creators from Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska, with deliverables that included event promotion, links to purchase tickets and visiting Casper (things to do, where to eat, places to stay, etc.)

· Organic social media posts promoting ticket sales, western fashion and must-see things to do in Casper

· Visit Casper also hosted Western Fest at David Street Station, which kicked off the week’s festivities

CNFR takes place annually in June, with 400 of the best college cowgirls and cowboys from all around the country coming to Casper to compete at the Ford Wyoming Center. Athletes compete in a variety of events, including saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying.

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About Visit Casper

Visit Casper is the official destination management organization for Natrona County and is dedicated to enhancing the county’s economic base through tourism. Casper is Wyoming’s second-largest city and is known for world-class fly-fishing on the North Platte River; is the annual host for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR); and has been named one of the top mountain towns in the country by Men’s Journal. More information can be found at www.VisitCasper.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or discover images and content with #VisitCasper.