The dust is about to rise, the cheers are ready to echo, and the thrill of the Wild West is set to captivate audiences as the 99th annual Tucson Rodeo, also known as “La Fiesta de los Vaqueros,” gallops into the Tucson Rodeo Grounds from February 17 to 25, 2024.
DATES & TIMES
Saturday, February 17: Opening Day
- Gates swing open at 11 a.m., signaling the commencement of the 99th Tucson Rodeo.
- The inaugural performance kicks off at 2 p.m., showcasing the elite skills of professional cowboys and cowgirls.
- Children take the spotlight at 12:30 p.m. in the Kids Rodeo, adding a touch of youthful exuberance to the opening day.
- Seize the opportunity to witness the thrilling debut with tickets starting at $18 for the opening weekend.
Sunday, February 18: Second Performance
- The spectacle continues on the second day with gates opening at 11 a.m.
- The Kids Rodeo returns at 12:30 p.m., featuring young talents embracing the rodeo spirit.
- The ProRodeo action resumes at 2 p.m., offering a seamless transition from Saturday’s excitement.
- Once again, opening weekend tickets are available starting at $18.
Monday-Tuesday, February 19-20: Slack Competition and Educational Outreach
- From 8 a.m. until approximately noon, witness the precision of timed events in the slack competition.
- Admission is free for this segment, focusing solely on the athleticism of barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down, and team roping.
- Simultaneously, the Rodeo Education and Children (REACh) program engages school groups at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., enlightening K-6 grade students about rodeo intricacies, Western heritage, and promoting positive messages on substance abuse and gang prevention.
Wednesday, February 21: Interlude
- A brief respite, with no rodeo events scheduled, allows participants and attendees to recharge for the upcoming excitement.
Thursday, February 22: Rodeo Parade and Third Performance
- At 9 a.m., witness the grandeur of the Tucson Rodeo Parade. Visit tucsonrodeoparade.com for the latest route and additional parade information.
- The third performance of the Tucson Rodeo begins with gates opening at 11 a.m.
- Kids Rodeo resumes at 12:30 p.m., paving the way for another exhilarating ProRodeo session at 2 p.m.
Friday, February 23: Fourth Performance
- Gates swing open at 11 a.m., setting the stage for the fourth performance of the Tucson Rodeo.
- Kids Rodeo returns at 12:30 p.m., offering a delightful interlude before the ProRodeo excitement commences at 2 p.m.
Saturday, February 24: Fifth Performance
- The penultimate day of the Tucson Rodeo features gates opening at 11 a.m.
- The Kids Rodeo takes center stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by the fifth ProRodeo performance at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 25: Tucson Rodeo Finals and Beyond
- The grand finale unfolds with gates opening at 11 a.m.
- The Kids Rodeo captivates at 12:30 p.m., paving the way for the climactic Tucson Rodeo Finals at 2 p.m.
- As the curtain falls on this historic event, the announcement of the 100th Tucson Rodeo, scheduled for February 15-23, 2025, resonates with anticipation.
- Each performance day concludes at approximately 4:15 p.m., leaving attendees with memories of an unforgettable rodeo experience.
Mark your calendars and secure your tickets to be part of the legacy that is La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, celebrating the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.
How to watch live
For those unable to witness the action in person, the Tucson Rodeo is globally accessible through the Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel Plus apps. Broadcasting the event to a worldwide audience, these platforms ensure that the spirit of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros 2024 live stream transcends geographical boundaries, allowing rodeo enthusiasts to experience the thrill and tradition from the comfort of their homes.
Saddle Up for Action
- ProRodeo Showdown: The heart of the action unfolds daily at 2 p.m., featuring top-notch cowboys and cowgirls competing in a thrilling lineup of rodeo events. Witness the artistry of Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Women’s Barrel Racing, and the daring Bull Riding.
- Tucson Rodeo Finals: The culmination of the week’s fierce competition takes place on Sunday, February 25th. The best of the best return to vie for their share of the purse in the Tucson Rodeo Finals.
Rodeo Week Highlights
- Kids Rodeo Spectacle: Before the main events kick off, catch the RAM Mutton Bustin’ (4-6 years old’s riding sheep) and Justin Junior Rodeo (6-13 years old) at 12:30 p.m. each day. Witness the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls mastering the ropes.
- Wear Pink Day: Join the rodeo community on Sunday, February 18th, for Wear Pink Day, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Additionally, the Chicks ‘N Chaps rodeo clinic from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. benefits local breast cancer patients.
- Educational Outreach: On Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 19-20), witness slack competition for timed events, providing free admission and the REACh program for school groups, introducing K-6 grade students to rodeo and Western heritage.
Daily Features to Round Up the Experience
- Beer Garden: For those 21 and older, enjoy the rodeo from the Beer Garden with a live feed, corn hole, and snacks.
- Vaquero Mercantile: Shop till you drop at western and local vendors, offering everything from cowboy hats and boots to exclusive Tucson Rodeo merchandise.
- Food and Drink Extravaganza: Savor the flavors of the West with various food vendors, and don’t forget to check out the beverage stands accepting cash and credit cards.
- Fan Giveaways: Attendees have the chance to win the Lucky Fan Giveaway—a daily gift basket from a rodeo sponsor.
- After Rodeo Entertainment: Keep the festivities going at the Coors Barn Dance, beginning immediately after the rodeo on selected dates. With live entertainment, the barn is open daily and offers beverage services and a live feed of the rodeo action.
- Grazing Ticket: For those who want to shop and dine while the rodeo unfolds, the Grazing Ticket provides access to the grounds without a grandstand seat (available Thursday to Sunday).
Location and Logistics
The Tucson Rodeo Grounds, located at 4823 S. 6th Ave., hosts up to 11,000 spectators each day. On-site parking is available for $10 per car (cash only).
Rodeo Events and Format
- Each rodeo performance showcases events like Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, and Bull Riding. The Women’s Barrel Racing event is sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).
- The rodeo follows a six-performance format, with the Tucson Rodeo Finals on February 25th featuring the top 12 competitors from the initial five performances.
Ticket Information
Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased at TucsonRodeo.com, by phone at (520) 741-2233, or in person at the Tucson Rodeo Ticket Office.
Contributors
The rodeo wouldn’t be possible without key contributors like Beutler & Son Rodeo Company, announcer Will Rasmussen, ProRodeo Clown and Barrel Man JJ Harrison, and the Justin Sports Medicine Team.
Don’t Miss Out
Get ready to experience the essence of the Wild West, witness unparalleled rodeo skills, and immerse yourself in the cultural extravaganza that is La Fiesta de los Vaqueros – the Tucson Rodeo. Be part of the legacy, celebrate the 99th edition, and mark your calendar for February 17-25, 2024. This is not just a rodeo; it’s a spectacle of tradition, skill, and the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.
