Las Vegas Events and the PRCA Board of Directors have decided to cancel the first performance of the 2023 National Finals Rodeo out of respect for those who lost their lives in a shooting on the campus of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon.
“All of us are saddened by the events that occurred today,” LVE President Tim Keener said in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected. We are grateful to all of the first responders, police, security and the UNLV community for their actions today.”
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center will still open to the public on Thursday, Dec. 7 and go through Dec. 16.
“Today’s shooting on the UNLV campus was alarming and deeply troubling,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “The PRCA is grateful for the rapid, professional response from law enforcement and first responders. Our thoughts right now are focused on the victims of this senseless act of violence.”
On Thursday morning, it was announced Round 1 would be held on Friday, Dec. 8 with an additional round made up at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT on Wednesday, Dec. 13.