The “Super Bowl” of rodeo took place again this year in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 1 through 10. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s premier annual competition, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (Wrangler NFR) brings in thousands of ProRodeo fans, turning Sun City into Cowboy Town, and reaching more viewers through live broadcasts. 

For the first time, the 2011 Wrangler NFR was broadcast on the country music network, GAC: Great American Country. Rodeo fans turned on their TVs in record numbers. The live performances brought in a network record of 9.8 million viewers across all telecasts. 

To expand upon the brand’s title sponsorship, French West Vaughan handled PR efforts and launched promotional campaigns on behalf of the leading western wear brand including hosting top TV networks, partnering with local media across the town, reaching more rodeo fans through social media than ever, and expanding the brand’s reach across the city through onsite promotions.  

The Travel Channel’s hit show “Sand Masters” spent a week in Las Vegas filming for an upcoming episode focusing on the Wrangler NFR. At home on Fremont Street beside Vegas Vic, the crew set out to become rodeo experts with the help of longtime Wrangler partners and World Champion Cowboys Gary Leffew and Joe Beaver. Experiencing everything from roping on horseback to bull riding (don’t worry, we set them up with a mechanical bull for their first attempt) to jumping in a rodeo clown’s barrel, they became very familiar with the extreme sport. Stay tuned for the episode to air April 5, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. on the Travel Channel.  

Offering rodeo fans online an exclusive look into the world’s top cowboy, Wrangler Western launched a live chat with nine-time All-Around World Champion Cowboy Trevor Brazile on the brand’s Facebook page. Hosted by legendary Wrangler entertainer and eight-time World Champion Rodeo Clown, Flint Rasmussen, the chat featured questions submitted by fans previously on the page and live through the video streaming tab. Hundreds of fans tuned in to have Trevor answer their questions, while tens of thousands were reached by the brand’s exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the 10-day event each day.  

For a closer look at French West Vaughan’s part in promoting the sport of ProRodeo and its biggest sponsor, visit www.facebook.com/wranglerwestern.