When the original South Point Arena debuted back in February 2006, it was the only equestrian arena connected to a hotel in the United States. With permanent seating for 4,600, and indoor practice arena, and more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls, it was already an impressive facility, then in 2013 ground was broken on the new Priefert Pavilion. Priefert is a leading manufacturer of rodeo equipment and was celebrating its 50th anniversary when the Priefert and Gaughan families joined forces to bring the new project to fruition, adding two new climate-controlled arena venues -- and more than 100,000 square feet -- to the existing South Point Arena and Equestrian Center. It is widely recognized as the premier horse-show venue in America.
With prize equines from all over the world descending on the facilities each year, the amenities are state-of-the-art and include 24-hour surveillance, hot and cold running water, 30 wash racks, barn concierge service, a competition arena, veterinary clinic, farrier service, "barn boys," and The Trading Post store where you can purchase everything from beer to hay to truck tires. Closed circuit TV of all the arena activities are broadcast into the hotel guest rooms, too.
It may come as a surprise to learn that Las Vegas already had a history of hosting equestrian events. Back in the 1980s, the Tropicana was home to the "Tropicana Spectacular" cutting horse shows and events had taken place at the Orleans, prior to Michael Gaughan's sale of the Coast properties. These were all organized by his wife Paula, who's been a horse-rider since childhood, had been in the biz for more than 20 years, and whose vision it was to build the original South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, which she co-owns with her husband.
Today, South Point hosts approximately 30 weeks of equestrian and rodeo events each year and is the site of the World Series of Team Roping, one of two $6 million purses at stake in Las Vegas (the other being the National Finals Rodeo), plus the Arabian Breeders World Cup, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association's Western U.S. Championship, Indian National Finals Rodeo, multiple National Cutting Horse Association events, plus associated parties, galas, and trade/craft shows. "Nobody has what we have. You can throw on your jammies at 5 a.m., go feed your horses, then go back to your room, order room service, and turn on the TV to watch what's happening in the arena," observed Paula Gaughan in a 2012 interview with Vegas magazine. Visit the official website for a schedule of upcoming events (which are not exclusively limited to those of an equestrian or rodeo nature, but also feature other sporting events, including the upcoming annual Holiday Hoops College Basketball Classic).
