ProRodeo Sports News - May 12, 2023

SHORT ROUND Pioneer Week Forging New Frontier in ProRodeo Huge Payout

E very July, the state of Utah celebrates Pioneer Week the third week of July with the culmination of the celebration being July 24, marking the day when Brigham Young and a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley. Rodeo has long played a part during this celebration with the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo, the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo and the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo all being contested during this time. These highly competitive and well-renowned rodeos take place each year. This year alone, this impressive group has raised the bar by collectively contributing more than $970,000 in additional money for an estimated $2 million in total payouts across the three PRCA rodeos – all this happening within a five-day span and within 100

miles of each other. With this kind of money on the line, the road to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas will pass through the State of Utah. “Utah has, and always will, support the Western lifestyle that harkens back to our pioneer heritage. Our state’s ancestors are the definition of true grit – that same grit that drives the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls to compete for world titles,” said Mike Schultz, Majority Leader, Utah House of Representatives in a press release. “These three rodeos feature intimate rodeo arenas with the most breathtaking local scenery. We hope you will choose to spend this week with us in the Beehive State.” In addition to the unprecedented payout for Utah rodeos, each rodeo is a stop on the PRCA’s Playoff Series and all will be televised.

Steve Gray photo

Children wave to the crowd with American flags in hand at the 2022 Fiesta Days Rodeo in Spanish Fork, Utah.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/12/2023

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