When the snow melts, rodeo season heats up. Every Friday and Saturday night in Steamboat Springs, local and visiting cowboys and cowgirls gather for one of the best rodeos in the west. Steeped in rich history and tradition, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo series offers a thrilling evening filled with heart-pounding action, live music, mouth-watering BBQ, and timeless traditions under the lights of the local arena.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo has a legacy that spans over a century, making it one of the oldest rodeos in the state. What began as a small gathering of cowboys showcasing their riding and roping skills has evolved into a premier rodeo attraction that draws visitors from far and wide.
Bull riding kicks off the action, where fearless riders cling to bucking bulls for a thrilling eight seconds, or as close to that as they can get. Barrel racing is always a crowd favorite, where cowgirls navigate a cloverleaf pattern around barrels at breakneck speeds, testing their precision and horsemanship in a high-stakes race against the clock.
But the excitement doesn't end there. Steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping round out the evening's lineup, showcasing the diverse talents of rodeo athletes as they compete in feats of strength, agility, and strategy. No Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is complete without the opportunity for the little ones in the crowd to test their skills, or at least their bravery, in the calf and ram scrambles. The rodeo clown is also one of the most recognizable parts of the rodeo. More than just comedic relief, the clowns help protect the athletes, often placing themselves in harms way to help give the riders a chance to get away from danger.
Beyond the adrenaline-fueled competitions, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is a celebration of Western culture and heritage. From the live country music to the mouthwatering barbecue, attendees have the opportunity to connect with the Western heritage of the region, as well as with friends, neighbors, and visitors from around the country.
