The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is very optimistic about the upcoming 2021 season. The Board of Directors has been meeting regularly and working closely with Steamboat Springs and Routt County officials to meet City, County, and State requirements.
The current plan features 10 rodeos and 20 performances over nine weeks. Rather than the traditional mid-June kickoff, the Rodeo Committee is looking at launching the season July 1 through 4. Thursday and Friday, July 1-2 would be Opening Weekend, followed by the 117th Cowboys Roundup Days on Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4. Weather and fire conditions permitting, the Fourth of July performance would be capped off with fireworks over Howelsen Hill.
“We recognize Covid-19 protocols are very important,” said Board President and Rodeo Announcer, John Shipley. He also noted that the Series’ sanctioning body, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) established a set of guidelines for rodeos that have taken place since Memorial Day 2020. “The biggest challenge we are facing currently is determining what spectator limits, if any, might be in place,” he added.
Board Chairman Brent Romick said “last summer was the first time in 117 years that Steamboat Springs didn’t host a rodeo. It’s very important that this tradition returns as soon as possible, and we are delighted to have the support of our partner, the City, as well as Routt County and the Steamboat Chamber. We expect there will be pent up demand from both contestants and spectators.”
To maintain the customary ten rodeo schedule, the Pro Rodeo Series is planning to run beyond the traditional closing weekend in mid-August and extend the season two weeks to August 27th and 28th. “We think that this year we’ll have cowboys, cowgirls, and fans right up to Labor Day,” Romick added.
Part of the planning for the upcoming rodeo season is the exploring a change to to electronic ticketing. Information concerning the ticketing, sponsorship, and other details will be forthcoming as the Committee continues to work with City and County officials. The rodeo’s website is steamboatprorodeo.com.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is sanctioned by the PRCA and features bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, along with steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping, and barrel racing. At this time, it is unknown whether Covid regulations will allow the popular ram scramble and calf scramble events for the kids.
Contact: Ward Van Scoyk
wvs@wvsc.com
970.846.3931