The Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo: A Permit Section Showcase
Where Rodeo Tradition Meets Rising Stars in the Heart of Arizona
A Legacy of Western Heritage
When August rolls around in Payson, Arizona, the air becomes charged with anticipation. The dusty arena at the Payson Multi Event Center prepares to host what has rightfully earned its place in rodeo lore—the Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo. For generations, this hallowed ground has witnessed the unbroken chain of rodeo competition, a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West.
Mark your calendars for August 15-16, 2025, as this storied tradition continues with a special focus on the Permit Section, where tomorrow's rodeo legends take their first steps toward greatness.
The Permit Section: Rodeo's Proving Ground
For those new to rodeo culture, the Permit Section represents the gateway to professional rodeo competition. Before cowboys and cowgirls can earn their PRCA card and compete at the highest levels, they must first prove themselves as permit holders. These ambitious athletes must earn a specified amount in winnings before advancing to full PRCA membership status.
The Permit Section at Payson's historic rodeo offers a unique opportunity to witness raw talent, unbridled determination, and the future stars of the sport in their formative competitive years. These aren't just contestants—they're dreamers with dirt on their boots and glory in their sights.
Events That Forge Champions
Over the two action-packed days, permit holders will test their mettle across all the classic rodeo disciplines:
Roughstock Events:
Bareback Riding - Perhaps the most physically demanding eight seconds in sports, where riders grip a simple handhold while a powerful bronc attempts to send them skyward.
Saddle Bronc Riding - The classic event of rodeo, combining technical precision with raw courage as riders synchronize their movements with unpredictable broncs.
Bull Riding - The crown jewel of rodeo, where 150-pound athletes match wits and reflexes against 2,000-pound bulls bred specifically for their athletic bucking ability.
Timed Events:
Tie-Down Roping - A display of horseback precision and on-the-ground speed as cowboys rope, dismount, and tie three legs of a calf.
Steer Wrestling - The "big man's event" where contestants leap from horseback to wrestling a steer to the ground in mere seconds.
Team Roping - The only true team event in rodeo, requiring perfect coordination between header and heeler to rope a steer's horns and hind legs.
Women's Event:
- Barrel Racing - A showcase of horsemanship as cowgirls and their equine partners navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breathtaking speeds.
Each event in the Permit Section carries the same intensity and requirements as the main rodeo competition, but with the added electricity of watching competitors who are hungry to make their mark and earn their place among the professionals.
Rising Stars to Watch
While specific competitors won't be known until closer to the event, the Permit Section consistently attracts the most promising talent from across the Southwest. Many of today's rodeo champions got their start in permit sections just like this one, including numerous National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and world champions.
The Arizona Circuit has historically produced exceptional talent, with many permit holders from the region going on to national recognition. Keep your eyes on these emerging athletes—you'll likely be seeing them at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in the years to come.
Daily Schedule: Two Days of Non-Stop Action
Friday, August 15, 2025
Gates open in the afternoon
Grand Entry ceremony kicks off the competition
Full slate of permit section events
Evening concludes with the always-thrilling bull riding
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Morning slack competitions (additional contestants)
Afternoon gates open
Grand Entry ceremony
Final rounds of all permit section events
Champions crowned in each discipline
Securing Your Spot in Rodeo History
Attending the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo isn't just about watching a sporting event—it's about participating in a living piece of Western heritage. When tickets go on sale in mid-June 2025, rodeo enthusiasts will have several options to consider:
Ticket Types:
General Admission - Access to the grandstand seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserved Seating - Guaranteed specific seats with options ranging from lower-level views close to the action to higher vantage points that provide a panoramic perspective of the entire arena.
VIP/Premium Packages - Enhanced experience options that may include premium seating, exclusive access areas, commemorative merchandise, and more.
Multi-Day Passes - The best way to experience the complete rodeo journey from first ride to final buckle presentation.
Group Sales - Special arrangements for larger parties looking to experience the rodeo together.
Discounted Options - Special rates for children, seniors, and military personnel to ensure rodeo remains accessible to all.
How to Purchase:
Tickets will be available directly through this website when they go on sale in June 2025. The online purchasing system ensures a smooth, secure transaction with immediate confirmation. For those who prefer traditional methods, the box office will also handle advance purchases and day-of sales, subject to availability.
Mobile ticketing options will streamline the entry process, allowing you to skip the lines and head straight to the action. Simply present your digital ticket on your smartphone for scanning at the gates.
The Early Bird Gets the Best Seat:
While the Payson Multi Event Center offers excellent sightlines throughout the venue, purchasing tickets early provides distinct advantages:
First choice of seating locations
Guaranteed entry for what has historically been a sell-out event
Peace of mind knowing your place in rodeo history is secured
Ticket Policies Worth Noting:
All sales are typically final, with exchanges considered only in exceptional circumstances
Entry procedures include security screening for the safety of all attendees
Accessible seating options are available for those with mobility requirements
Only purchase from official sources to avoid counterfeit tickets and unauthorized resellers
Beyond the Competition: A Full Western Experience
The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo delivers more than just world-class competition. The entire experience is designed to immerse visitors in Western culture and community celebration:
Carnival and Midway - Classic rides and games provide entertainment for the whole family before and after the rodeo performances.
Entertainment - Live Western music creates the perfect soundtrack for your rodeo weekend.
Vendor Marketplace - Browse authentic Western gear, from custom hats and boots to handcrafted leather goods and jewelry. The marketplace also features local artisans showcasing their unique creations.
Food and Beverage - From traditional barbecue and chuck wagon cooking to modern fair favorites, the culinary options satisfy every appetite. Cold beverages help combat the August heat, while specialty offerings provide a taste of the Southwest.
Parade - The traditional rodeo parade through downtown Payson (typically held Saturday morning) connects the community to the competition, featuring participants, horses, historic wagons, and local organizations.
Planning Your Visit to Payson
Getting There and Around:
The Payson Multi Event Center offers ample parking for rodeo attendees. Arriving early is recommended, as the best spots fill quickly, especially for Saturday's performance. Some local businesses and organizations may offer shuttle services from designated parking areas during rodeo weekend.
Where to Stay:
Payson and the surrounding Rim Country offer accommodation options ranging from historic hotels and modern chains to rustic cabins and RV parks. August is prime tourist season in the area, so booking accommodations well in advance is strongly recommended.
What to Bring:
Sunscreen and hats for daytime performances
Light jacket for evening events as temperatures can drop
Comfortable footwear for navigating the grounds
Cash for vendors who may not accept cards
Camera to capture the memories
Your enthusiasm and respect for the tradition you're witnessing
Safety First:
Stay hydrated in the Arizona summer heat
Follow all posted guidelines and announcements
Keep a close eye on children, especially near the livestock areas
Respect the boundaries between spectator areas and competition zones
The Heart of Rodeo Country
The Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo isn't just a competition—it's a cultural touchstone that connects generations of Americans to their Western heritage. The Permit Section specifically offers a glimpse into rodeo's future while honoring its storied past.
When these determined permit holders burst from the chutes in August 2025, they'll be adding their names to a tradition that stretches back further than any other rodeo in America. The dust they kick up joins the same cloud that has hung over this hallowed ground for generations, connecting them to every cowboy and cowgirl who came before.
For spectators, the experience transcends mere entertainment. To witness the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo is to feel the heartbeat of the American West—its values of hard work, courage, and community on full display in every ride, rope throw, and race against the clock.
When tickets become available in June 2025, secure your place in the stands. Come to Payson. Be part of history. And discover why, after all these years, rodeo remains the ultimate expression of Western spirit and determination.
The Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo-Permit Section is a PRCA-sanctioned event showcasing the future stars of professional rodeo competition.