PRORODEO Sports News, April 4, 2025

“I said, ‘This is a stupid idea, it would never happen. “Why don’t we change our date?” said Agen broad, a 20-year member of the Snake River Board of Directors. “The more we talked about it the more (June) started to make some sense.” The month of July was home to Snake River for more than 70 years. But a new era now has the rodeo taking place June 17-21. It’s a decision Agenbroad said wasn’t taken lightly. But with 30% of the biggest rodeos taking place around the same time, he said they saw the writing on the wall. “We weren’t going to get the best stock, or it would come at a price,” he said. “We weren’t going to get the best cowboys and cow girls and that was going to come at a price as well. We could see down the road that it was going to impact us.” Simply changing the date of the rodeo was no easy feat. Idaho Center, Snake River’s home since the arena opened 28 years ago, hosts national horse events, monster truck circuits and other major events through out the year. So, negotiating a new date came with challenges. But, as Agen broad noted, Idaho Center has al ways worked its schedule around Snake River, which was one of its first partners when it opened.

With a new date agreed upon, the next feat was marketing. Snake River Executive Director Lynn Calvin encouraged rodeo staff to make nightly announcements in 2024, informing the Nampa community of the date change and the opportunity to secure tickets for the 2025 rodeo. Calvin said their biggest concern was familiarity with July. But the reaction has been positive. The lower bowl seats are already sold out for the fifth performance on Saturday night. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh my gosh we missed the rodeo because July is a heavy month for vacations,’” Calvin said. “People are excited that it’s earlier in the year.” Moving to June comes with at least one major benefit. The average temperature in June in Nampa is around 81 degrees, with lows falling into the 50s. July’s average is in the mid-90s, often pushing into the 100s. While the competition is in

There are many factors that have played a role in Snake River mak ing it to its 110th year in Nampa. But the most notable one is the community. Rodeo has a soft spot in the hearts of residents. More than just a rodeo, it’s a community gathering, where they welcome others from surrounding states and internationally on a yearly basis. The support from the commu nity, as well as volunteers, has allowed it to thrive and become one of the biggest rodeos in Idaho with a top 15 purse thanks to sponsorships and ticket sales. Agenbroad believes if the support from the community continues to grow strong, so too will the Snake River Stampede. “We have a tremendous volun teer base that allows us to make this happen,” Agenbroad said. “We know it takes all of us to put on a phenomenal performance that promotes the Western life style. Without the community, we would have nothing.”

doors, stock and athletes remain outside. The 10 plus degree difference will be beneficial for the health and safety for all involved.

While that wasn’t a determining factor in the date change, it further reinforces the belief that they made the right call.

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