CNFR 2024 Breaks Attendance Record

June 25, 2024—Casper, Wyoming—The College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) celebrated its 75th anniversary in fine form, breaking previous attendance records as 22,895 tickets were scanned into the building, as well as staff, contestants, coaches and media. Saturday’s performance was also sold out, with 5,103 spectators taking in the performances from the short-go leaders.

“This was another successful year at our home in Casper, Wyoming, and a wonderful way to celebrate 75 years,” said Jim Dewey Brown, NIRA Commissioner. “It’s been an honor to hang our hats in Casper for the last 25 years and to see the commitment this community has to CNFR.”

Visit Casper has been working collaboratively with NIRA and the Ford Wyoming Center to effectively promote CNFR and bring in spectators to enjoy a week of the best college rodeo action in the country.

“CNFR is a vital event for Casper,” said Tyler Daugherty, CEO of Visit Casper. “We’re committed to it and it’s an honor for us to continue to welcome and host this incredible week of rodeo right here in Wyoming.”

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

• Social media ads targeted at 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 four 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.)
• Partnership with Casper College and its rodeo team to promote local athletes and the road to CNFR, as well as event performances
• Organic social media posts promoting ticket sales, western fashion and must-see things to do in Casper

New for this year, Visit Casper also hosted an event called Western Fest. Taking place at David Street Station, Western Fest kicked off CNFR and encouraged people to come downtown to attend the event, while also experiencing downtown and its many amenities and offerings.

As part of CNFR, Visit Casper provided the following promotional items:

• Thousands of coasters designed, printed and delivered to local restaurants and breweries
• CNFR event posters delivered to local businesses, including restaurants, shops and breweries
• Signage welcoming athletes and their families to hotels in Casper
• 500 rally towels highlighting 25 years of CNFR in Casper (given to attendees at Friday evening’s performance)
• Collaborated with local businesses to provide coupons and discounts to athletes in welcome bags

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.

# # #

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 LinkedIn or discover images and content with #VisitCasper.