Opening Performances Announced for NFR 2025: National Anthem Singers & Pre-Show Acts
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 will celebrate the 40th year of NFR in Las Vegas with a full slate of special opening performances and national anthem singers each night. From December 4–13, 2025, fans at the Thomas & Mack Center will see big-name country artists, themed production nights, pyrotechnics, lasers and full-arena LED graphics before the first gate ever opens.
If you’ve been wondering “Who is singing at NFR 2025?” or searching for the NFR 2025 opening acts schedule, this guide breaks it down night-by-night.
NFR 2025 Dates & Opening Show Overview
The 2025 Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Each performance starts with a high-energy opening show that combines:
- Live music from featured artists
- Themed production nights (including a special 1985 “Throwback Night”)
- Grand Entry, flags and patriotic moments
- Lasers, pyrotechnics and full-arena video
All 10 opening performances are presented in partnership with Music City Rodeo, connecting Nashville’s music scene with the “Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.”
NFR 2025 Opening Acts Schedule (Night-by-Night)
Here is the confirmed list of NFR 2025 opening performances for each night at the Thomas & Mack Center:
| Date | NFR Performance Night | Opening Performance / Theme | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 4 | Round 1 | Throwback Night (Tribute to 1985) | Special 40th anniversary tribute to the first Las Vegas NFR. |
| Fri, Dec 5 | Round 2 | Jarrod Morris | Also scheduled to perform at Westgate Las Vegas during NFR week. |
| Sat, Dec 6 | Round 3 | A Tribute to Contract Acts | Honors the specialty acts and contract personnel who help make NFR happen. |
| Sun, Dec 7 | Round 4 | Jackson Dean | Rising country artist bringing his live show to the Thomas & Mack pre-show. |
| Mon, Dec 8 | Round 5 | Jenna Paulette | Performs a high-energy set to kick off the Monday performance. |
| Tue, Dec 9 | Round 6 | Neal McCoy | Fan-favorite entertainer known for his NFR and Vegas shows. |
| Wed, Dec 10 | Round 7 | Casey Kearney | Country singer-songwriter bringing fresh music to midweek NFR. |
| Thu, Dec 11 | Round 8 | Nate Smith | Hit country artist performing before Thursday’s performance. |
| Fri, Dec 12 | Round 9 | Ricochet | ’90s country favorites with a nostalgic, high-energy set. |
| Sat, Dec 13 | Round 10 | Gold Night | Special gold buckle and champion-focused production for the final night. |
If you’re planning your tickets or watch party, this schedule tells you exactly who is performing before NFR 2025 each night.
NFR 2025 National Anthem Singers (All 10 Nights)
Alongside the opening acts, Las Vegas Events and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have confirmed a lineup of 10 national anthem performers for the 40th anniversary NFR. Two of those spots were awarded through the NFR National Anthem Contest, giving rising artists a chance to sing on rodeo’s biggest stage.
Here is the full NFR 2025 national anthem singer schedule for each performance at the Thomas & Mack Center:
| Date | NFR Performance Night | National Anthem Performer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 4 | Round 1 | Morgan Myles | Acclaimed vocalist known from national TV and Nashville stages. |
| Fri, Dec 5 | Round 2 | Jeffrey Steele | Hall of Fame songwriter and veteran performer. |
| Sat, Dec 6 | Round 3 | Sarah Rowe | Country artist bringing a powerful anthem rendition. |
| Sun, Dec 7 | Round 4 | Walker Montgomery | Kentucky-born singer carrying a strong country music lineage. |
| Mon, Dec 8 | Round 5 | Charley Cox | One of the fan-selected winners of the NFR National Anthem Contest. |
| Tue, Dec 9 | Round 6 | George Ducas | Chart-topping ’90s country artist with deep Texas roots. |
| Wed, Dec 10 | Round 7 | Caitlyn Ochsner | Popular NFR week performer and rising country voice. |
| Thu, Dec 11 | Round 8 | Kalsey Kulyk (Canadian Anthem) & Presley Barker (U.S. Anthem) | Dual performance featuring both Canadian and U.S. national anthems. |
| Fri, Dec 12 | Round 9 | Emily Ann Roberts | Known from “The Voice” and the Nashville scene. |
| Sat, Dec 13 | Round 10 | Jeremiah Neal | Contest winner closing out the 40th anniversary NFR with the anthem. |
If you’re searching “NFR 2025 national anthem singer” for a specific date, this chart shows exactly who is performing before the grand entry each night.
How to Watch the NFR 2025 Opening Acts & Anthems
Inside the Thomas & Mack Center, the best way to experience these opening performances is to be in your seat before the start time each night. Doors typically open well ahead of the performance so fans can catch:
- The full opening concert or themed show
- The Grand Entry and presentation of flags
- The national anthem performance and introduction of contestants
For fans watching from home, The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+ will carry live coverage of each NFR performance, including the opening segments, anthem, and full rodeo action from December 4–13.
FAQ – NFR 2025 Opening Performances & Anthem Singers
Who is singing the national anthem at NFR 2025?
The NFR 2025 anthem lineup includes Morgan Myles, Jeffrey Steele, Sarah Rowe, Walker Montgomery, Charley Cox, George Ducas, Caitlyn Ochsner, Kalsey Kulyk & Presley Barker, Emily Ann Roberts and Jeremiah Neal, with one performer featured each night from December 4–13.
Who are the NFR 2025 opening acts at Thomas & Mack?
Opening performances for NFR 2025 feature Throwback Night, Jarrod Morris, a Tribute to Contract Acts, Jackson Dean, Jenna Paulette, Neal McCoy, Casey Kearney, Nate Smith, Ricochet and a special Gold Night production on the final performance.
What night is Throwback Night at NFR 2025?
Throwback Night (Tribute to 1985) is scheduled for , the first performance of NFR 2025.
What is Gold Night at NFR?
Gold Night is the special closing-night opening performance on Saturday, December 13, celebrating new world champions, gold buckles and the 40th anniversary of NFR in Las Vegas.
Where can I find updates if the schedule changes?
For the latest information on NFR 2025 opening acts and national anthem singers, check the official NFR Experience website and social media channels (@LasVegasNFR), as well as your ticketing confirmation for any updated show times.
Use this guide to plan your tickets, pre-show schedule and watch parties so you don’t miss a single opening performance or national anthem at NFR 2025.