RAM NCFR to be held during country music fest

The RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo will be even bigger in 2019 to give rodeo fans a chance to see some of the top country music acts in the world. 

The RAM NCFR will be March 21-24, 2019, while the Country Thunder Music Festival will have Toby Keith, Luke Combs and Luke Bryan, plus others, performing on the same grounds as the circuit finals in Kissimmee, Fla. 

The three-day music festival and four-day rodeo will be at Osceola Heritage Park, the site of the Silver Spurs Arena, where the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo has taken place since 2015.

The RAM NCFR highlights the best cowboys from each of the 12 circuits in the PRCA.

Keith will play March 22, Combs on March 23 and Bryan on March 24.

With four other festivals already part of the Country Thunder Music Festivals brand, the organization is eager to welcome fans of the Sunshine State.

"We've been wanting to bring Country Thunder to this part of the world for some time, and we're thrilled for this opportunity," said Troy Vollhoffer, Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO. "The timing was right, and we're putting together a talent lineup and overall festival experience which fans of the Country Thunder brand have come to expect.

"Florida is one of the best country music markets in North America, and we're going to put on a show that will have these fans coming back year in and year out."

With its rich entertainment history, the natural beauty of Osceola Heritage Park will serve as the perfect backdrop for an event and fan experience of this magnitude.

"We are thrilled that Country Thunder Florida will be happening at our facility," said Robb Larson, Osceola Heritage Park and SMG General Manager. "Their history of success is impressive, and having them come in to pick up where Runaway Country left off is a dream come true.

"Our 190-acre entertainment complex combined with the Country Thunder brand and their expertise will take this annual event to new heights."

The complex boasts a massive main stage production and concert bowl, the Electric Thunder big top tent, food, beverage and retail vendors, camping, parking and amenities.

The RAM NCFR is an added bonus to the music festival, Osceola Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins said.

"The pairing of Country Thunder Florida and the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo maximizes the value for fans and promises a new level of entertainment for everyone," Hawkins said. "This is yet another step in making Osceola County a destination for a great country music and rodeo experience.

"We are excited to be working with an organization who is going to build on some past traditions and elevate these two signature events at Osceola Heritage Park."

Country Thunder Music Festivals is also honored to partner with Nemours Children's Hospital, and the opportunity to give back in the communities of Central Florida.

"The proceeds of this partnership with Country Thunder will make an impact on children and families when they need it most," said Dana Nicholson Bledsoe, Nemours Children's Hospital President. "Fans can mingle and enjoy fantastic performances, while at the same time help children and families who are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives."

Bryan needs no introduction, and Country Thunder Florida fans will be in for a treat when he headlines on Sunday night. The bona fide superstar has been at the top of his game for the better part of the past decade with six smash albums, two dozen hit singles, an endless string of sold-out concert tours and every industry award imaginable.

No stranger to superstardom himself, the resurgence of Keith has been a welcome one since the Oklahoman bridged the gap from classic country in the early '90s, to his 2015 smash, "35 MPH Town."

Keith has more than 20 No. 1 singles to his credit.

Combs has been the fastest rising country star of the past several years. His 2017 debut album yielded an astounding three consecutive No. 1 hits, including "Hurricane," "When It Rains It Pours" and "One Number Away."

More artists will be scheduled for the festival in the coming months.

The Country Thunder Music Festivals brand has a 15-year history which boasts four other major multi-day events in North America, including the reigning ACM Festival of the Year in Arizona. The organization also hosts events in Wisconsin, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Kissimmee is also just minutes away from major theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.      ~PRCA Media