The ProRodeo Sports News - March 6, 2020

Calgary Stampede adding to growth of PRCA DIRECTOR’S CUT SCOTT KANIEWSKI T he Calgary Stampede is once again part of the PRCA. And that’s good not only for ProRodeo, but also for fans and competitors. With news this week that the Stampede and

Stampede as rodeos where a cowboy can get a win and likely be more than halfway to qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. If a cowboy can win two of those, he’s in. And if someone might have the greatest of luck and sweep those three? As some of our friends in the First Frontier Circuit might say, “ Fuhgettaboutit . ” Heading to the Wrangler NFR with $150,000 already in your pocket (it would be more than that because of money earned in earlier rounds at those rodeos) and you’re likely headed to the bright lights of Las Vegas as the man to beat. Want another example of ProRodeo’s expansion? Check out Hot Takes (page 8). Six of the eight leaders in each event had earned enough money as of March 2 that had this been 2019, they would already be more than halfway to qualifying for the Wrangler NFR or the ClemMcSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. The difference in the amount of money earned by cowboys heading to Vegas between 2018 and 2019 was significant. In 2018, 39 cowboys had broken the $100,000 threshold before their first run in Las Vegas. A year later, that number had risen to 53, a 35% jump. Possibly the most remarkable stat within that $100,000-qualifying spot was that all 15 bull riders who made the 2019Wrangler NFR had earned at least $108,000. Chances are, with a rodeo like the Stampede back in the fold, it’s going to take even more money to get to Vegas. And that’s not a bad thing.

the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association partnered up (read more about that in the Short Round on page 20), PRCA competitors have another chance to compete at a rodeo that will pay more than $1 million. Last year, the Calgary Stampede paid out more than $2 million. The payout this season is expected to be in the same neighborhood. Winners will take home $100,000 from the Stampede, much like winners at RFD-TV’s The American will do March 7-8. At both rodeos, $50,000 of the $100,000 will count toward the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. One of the most popular questions regarding the Stampede was if team roping will be included. The answer: Yes, yes it will. While the Calgary Stampede will take place July 3-12, the team roping portion will be July 7 with the total payout amounting to $100,000. It will take place in the Nutrien Western Events Centre. That the Stampede is returning as a partner to the PRCA for the first time since 2005 is big news. The fact that a cowboy can win $50,000 there and have it count toward the world standings is bigger news. That means ProRodeo now has The American, RodeoHouston and the Calgary

Scott Kaniewski is the Media Director at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He previously served more than two years as the editor of ProRodeo Sports News. He has nearly two decades of experience in sports journalism, with the last few being consumed by ProRodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/6/2020

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