(Editor's note: PRCA release)
LAS VEGAS – Allen Rheinheimer has been named general manager of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo Committee announced March 9. The event, which was held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, in 2020 due to COVID-19-related issues, is annually held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas and is scheduled for Dec. 2-11, 2021
A seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience in equestrian production, Rheinheimer will work closely with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Las Vegas Events and the NFRC on all aspects of rodeo production.
"Allen brings diverse managerial experience to the Wrangler NFR," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. "He has been in a key production leadership position for more than 20 years. His overall understanding of the scope of the Wrangler NFR will be an important component in showcasing and enhancing the production and show elements on rodeo's biggest stage – in Las Vegas."
During his career, Rheinheimer has overseen all elements of equestrian and livestock production, including many aspects of the Wrangler NFR. Since 2000, he has served as the construction maintenance manager, coordinating production elements of the Wrangler NFR, including – among other responsibilities – openings and anthems, rehearsals, maintenance crews, risk management procedures and production timeline development.
A seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience in equestrian production, Rheinheimer brings a diverse background to the role. Since 1988, he has served as the president and owner of Showtime Jump Company, LLC, a horse show production company that services more than 25 events each year. He also serves as the production manager for the Classic Company, LLC and equestrian manager for The Hampton Classic Horse Show.
"Allen has brought his knowledge and expertise to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo since 2000," PRCA CEO George Taylor said. "We look forward to working with Allen to further showcase our world-class athletes and stock as he leads one of our nation's premier sporting events into the future."
Having grown up on Cedar Crest Farm in Indiana, which produced both top show horses and beef cattle, Rheinheimer is a dedicated professional fully entrenched in event production in a variety of environments. He also served as the technical coordinator for the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in 2000 and 2003 and the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. He was the show manager for the 2020 FEI World Cup Finals.
Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the $10 million purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2019, the event had a total attendance of 168,289 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 330 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.
