On the heels of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Arlington is gearing up to host yet another big western event — one with a hefty payout of $2.3 million.
That's The American Rodeo, presented by Durango Boots and scheduled for March 6 – 7 at AT&T Stadium (with semi-finals starting Feb. 25 at the Fort Worth Stockyards). All events will be broadcast live on The Cowboy Channel and RFD-TV.
“The American Rodeo has always been about the cowboys and cowgirls, and last year's rodeo had a lot to do with determining who not only qualified for the 2020 NFR, but who was eventually crowned the World Champion in each event,” Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of Rural Media Group, Inc. (parent company of RFD-TV, Rural Radio on SiriusXM, and The Cowboy Channel) said in a statement. “With COVID understandably still challenging many rodeos around the country, we feel it is even more important to hold The American Rodeo as scheduled in March, in order to give cowboys a chance to win big money that counts towards PRCA's standings, and also give rodeo fans some sense of normalcy."
Qualifying events for The American Rodeo take place throughout the year across the U.S., with ropers and riders competing for a spot in the semi-finals and finals.
Invitations to the Top 10 athletes in each event are being extended at this time, with the following athletes already confirmed to return and defend their American Rodeo 2020 title:
- Shad Mayfield (returning champion, tie-down roping)
- Matt Reeves (returning champion, steer wrestling)
- Joseph Harrison (returning champion, team roping, heeler)
- Luke Brown (returning champion, team roping, header)
- Kaycee Feild (returning champion, bareback)
- Stevi Hillman (returning champion, barrel racing)
- Wyatt Casper (returning champion, saddle bronc)
- Sage Kimzey (returning champion, bull riding)
“The American Rodeo is so much more than just a rodeo or a payday for cowboys,” Randy Bernard, CEO of The American Rodeo, said in a statement. “The money is so substantial; I always like to say it’s where dreams come true. We have seen cowboys and cowgirls walk away with over $1 million in one day, and that is what our sport should be about. The story lines, the drama, the passion ... it all comes out in one weekend. It truly is an amazing event that I look forward to every year.”
Tickets go on sale Friday. More information is available at americanrodeo.com.
