The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo Returns

Saddle Up For Tradition!

The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, a six-time winner of the Small Rodeo of the Year award, is making a much-anticipated return to Claremore. This storied event, which has been a staple of the local culture since its inception in 1946, promises an action-packed week filled with tradition, competition, and community spirit. “We are recognized as one of the nation’s top five rodeos,” David Petty, a Board Member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, said.

Rodeo Highlights

Boots on the Boulevard

Rodeo week kicks off on Thursday, May 23, with “Boots on the Boulevard,” offering a delightful evening where the community comes together to enjoy not just the food but also the vibrant atmosphere, complete with live music, a street dance, and many of the contestants and Rodeo Personnel joining the community for photo-ops. Adding to the excitement of the opening day is Food Truck Thursday, held in historic downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m.

Clem McSpadden Tub-Handle Classic Steer Roping competition

The Clem McSpadden Tub-Handle Classic Steer Roping competition at 6 p.m. at Stampede Park in Claremore. Named in honor of Claremore’s renowned rodeo announcer and steer roper, Clem McSpadden, this event not only celebrates the sport but also pays tribute to a local legend who has left an indelible mark on the rodeo community.

The rodeo itself officially begins on Friday, May 24, and runs through Sunday, May 26. Each evening, gates open at 6 p.m. with pre-rodeo entertainment and mutton bustin’ starting at 7 p.m., followed by the main rodeo events at 8 p.m. Held at Stampede Park, this rodeo is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of the cowboy lifestyle, community, and the enduring legacy of Will Rogers, one of America’s most beloved cowboys and entertainers. “We average 750 contestants each year who travel from all across the country to participate,” Petty said.

Broken Spoke 16-hitch Clydesdale team

The Broken Spoke 16-hitch Clydesdale team is an impressive sight at the rodeo. The majestic beauty and synchronized grace of these iconic draft horses draw admiration from all who witness their impressive stature and disciplined teamwork.

A Community Tradition

The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is more than just a competition, it’s a tradition that has been woven into the fabric of Claremore and the wider rodeo community for over 75 years. Starting just a year after its founding, the rodeo has grown in stature and prestige, joining the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1947. This partnership, along with the support of the City of Claremore, the Board of County Commissioners for Rogers County, and the Will Rogers Round Up Club, has ensured that the rodeo remains a highlight on the national rodeo calendar, drawing competitors and spectators from across the country. “This is one of Claremore’s longest running events, supported by many of the businesses and the community as a whole,” David Petty said.

Tickets are conveniently available online at willrogersstampede.com, with special pricing for children and adults, ensuring that families can enjoy the festivities together. It’s an event that invites everyone to come together, from seasoned rodeo fans to those experiencing the thrill of rodeo for the first time, to share in the excitement, tradition, and community that make the Will Rogers Stampede a cherished event year after year.

Rodeo Schedule

Sunday, April 28: PRCA Kids Camp and Mutton Bustin Qualifier

Thursday, May 23: Rodeo Slack, 8am to 2pm; Boots On The Boulevard in Historic Downtown, 6pm to 9pm (Food Truck Thursday, live entertainment and street dance; Rodeo Personnel and Contestants will join the community for photo ops, etc.)

Friday, May 24: Rodeo Slack, 8am to 2pm; 78th Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo gates open at 6pm, pre-rodeo entertainment at 7pm and PRCA Performance starts at 8pm

Saturday, May 25: Clem McSpadden Tub-Handle Classic Steer Roping, 10 am; 78th Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo gates open at 6pm, pre-rodeo entertainment at 7pm and PRCA Performance starts at 8pm

Sunday, May 26: 78th Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo gates open at 6pm, pre-rodeo entertainment at 7pm and PRCA Performance starts at 8pm