The people responsible for the pace, precision and atmosphere of the 2026 National Finals Rodeo have been selected. The announced contract-personnel team brings together veteran announcers, experienced arena officials, timers, livestock specialists, music directors and specialty acts for the December 3–12 championship in Las Vegas.
Three voices in the announcers’ booth
Wayne Brooks, Roger Mooney and Anthony Lucia will call the action at the Thomas & Mack Center. Brooks is scheduled for his 14th NFR appearance, while Mooney will make his 10th. Lucia, named PRCA Announcer of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025, returns for his second NFR appearance.
That combination gives the production an experienced foundation with three distinct voices capable of explaining the competition, carrying the emotion of the arena and keeping ten fast-moving rounds connected for the crowd.
Livestock and chute operations
John Barnes returns as livestock superintendent for a 21st consecutive NFR. Austin Rudloff will serve as assistant livestock superintendent, with Raina Hudson as saddle horse boss.
Tony Amaral will oversee the timed-event chutes, while Tom Neuens will manage roughstock chute operations. Those roles are central to keeping the competition safe, fair and on schedule as athletes and livestock move through seven events every night.
Officials and timing team
ProRodeo Hall of Famer Sunni Deb Backstrom will serve as NFR secretary for the 21st consecutive year. Jennie Murray returns as assistant secretary for a second appearance.
The 2026 timers are Vicki Pack, Sharon Bernhard and Kris Fleener. Precise timing is especially visible in steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing, where fractions of a second can determine nightly money and championship momentum.
Music and specialty entertainment
Brad Narducci has been selected as music director, with Jake Ostrum as assistant music director. The specialty acts announced for the 2026 event are Rider and Bethany Kiesner, along with Shelby Pierson.
Music, in-arena cues and specialty performances are more than background elements at the NFR. They keep the show moving between competitions and shape the energy that makes each round feel like a major Las Vegas production.
Why the crew matters
The NFR puts the sport’s top qualifiers on its biggest stage, but the athletes are supported by a large team working in real time. From chute coordination to scoring paperwork, livestock movement, timing, announcing and entertainment, the contract personnel create the structure that allows the competition to stay the focus.
The 2026 Wrangler NFR is scheduled for December 3–12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Source: Official NFR Experience announcement. Vegas NFR is an independent fan-information website and is not affiliated with the event organizers or official broadcasters.
