Businesses and restaurants in Lincoln and surrounding areas are encouraged to stock up on inventory and schedule ample staff ahead of the world’s largest rodeo, which will be held July 18-24 in Lincoln.
The Lancaster County Event Center Fairgrounds will host the 2021 National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR), which is expected to bring 30,000 visitors to the state over 10 days.
The NHSFR is the world’s largest rodeo from a competitor standpoint. It’s estimated that this year’s event will have a $16 million impact on the local economy, which is equivalent to four home Nebraska football games.
“As busy as everyone is on Husker gameday, now stack four of those games into one 10-day event,” said Hoyt Kreger, business development manager for the Lancaster Event Center.
Thousands of rodeo competitors, family members, fans, vendors and shoppers are expected to attend the NHSFR each day.
Because the crowd brought by the NHSFR will increase traffic in Lincoln businesses, the Lancaster Event Center and National High School Rodeo Association are encouraging businesses to prepare well in advance for the 10-day event.
“We can’t express enough how important it is for businesses to get ready now, whether that’s ordering extra inventory, scheduling staff or taking advantage of the remaining advertising opportunities to better reach these visitors,” said Lancaster Event Center Managing Director Amy Dickerson.
“We’re calling on our ‘Husker Spirit’ to help Lincoln, Nebraska not only meet but surpass what the communities of 30,000 in Wyoming have done to support the NHSRA on its first visit back to Nebraska in decades,” said Dickerson.
In addition, many NHSFR attendees are seeking local RV and camper owners who are willing to lease their trailers. A Facebook Group has been created for further communication.
To learn more about the NHSFR, visit nhsfrlincoln.org.
