The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) recently announced the list of opening acts preceding each rodeo contest, with some popular names in country music called to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the most important Rodeo Event in the U.S.In addition to the line-up of opening acts, visitors will have an abundance of entertainment options including food, beverages and live performances at the Academy of Country Music stage inside the Cox Pavilion. Fans can also enjoy the ProRodeo Zone, the exclusive fan interactive area of the Wrangler NFR.  Sponsors such as Wrangler, Dodge, B&W Hitches, Justin Boots, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Boyd Gaming, Priefert, American Cowboy Coffee, Dude Ranchers Association and Coors provide a series of activities and product exhibitions in tents and kiosks located nearby to the rodeo arena.  

Right after the opening shows, the best 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding will meet in seven events in where they will compete for a total of $5.625 million in prize money over the 10-day event, which begins on December 4^th, 2008. Doors to Cowboy Corral open at 5:00 p.m. for the 6:45 p.m. weekday rodeo performances and 4:00 p.m. for the 5:45 p.m. weekend performances.  

The 2008 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo opening acts include:

• Thursday, December 4^th – Trailer Choir

• Friday, December 5^th – Jake Owen

• Saturday, December 6^th – Reba McEntire

• Sunday, December 7^th – Brooks & Dunn

• Monday, December 8^th – Crystal Shawanda

• Tuesday, December 9^th – Red Steagall

• Wednesday, December 10^th – Ronnie Milsap

• Thursday, December 11^th – Charlie Daniels

• Friday, December 12^th – Zac Brown Band

• Saturday, December 13^th – Jack Ingram and Matt Lewis as Elvis