City of Champions PRCA Rodeo: Where Tradition Meets Excellence in Artesia

When the spring winds begin to dance across the New Mexico landscape, the city of Artesia transforms into a hub of western heritage and rodeo excellence. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to present the 2025 City of Champions PRCA Rodeo, set to thunder into the Artesia Horse Council Arena on March 28, 2025. This single-day spectacle promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that honors the spirit of the American West while showcasing the elite talent of today's rodeo athletes.

A Celebration of Western Heritage

The City of Champions PRCA Rodeo has earned its place as one of the premier rodeo events in the Southwest. Artesia, with its deep-rooted connection to ranching and western traditions, provides the perfect backdrop for this PRCA-sanctioned competition. The community's passion for rodeo is evident in every aspect of this event, from the meticulously maintained arena to the enthusiastic crowds that fill the stands year after year.

As a PRCA-sanctioned event, the City of Champions Rodeo maintains the highest standards of competition, animal welfare, and western heritage celebration. This official sanctioning ensures that competitors earn points toward the National Finals Rodeo qualification, attracting top talent from across the country to this southeastern New Mexico venue.

The rodeo's impact extends far beyond entertainment, serving as a vital community gathering that celebrates Artesia's western identity while supporting local charities and youth programs. Each ticket purchased contributes to these worthy causes, making attendance not just an exciting outing but a meaningful investment in the community's future.

World-Class Competition

When the chutes open on March 28, spectators will witness the full spectrum of PRCA-sanctioned events, each showcasing different aspects of traditional ranching skills transformed into thrilling athletic competitions.

Roughstock Events

The rodeo kicks off with bareback riding, where cowboys match their strength and technique against the explosive power of specially bred bucking horses. Last year's champion, Bucky McAlpine, scored an impressive 73 points on JK Rodeo's "Pretty Face," setting a high bar for this year's competitors.

The saddle bronc competition—often called rodeo's classic event—combines raw power with elegant technique as riders attempt to stay aboard bucking horses for eight seconds while maintaining proper form. Fans will remember Jace Angus's winning 75-point ride on "North Side" from the previous rodeo, a performance that demonstrated the perfect balance of control and abandon that defines this event.

The evening culminates with bull riding, rodeo's most dangerous and dramatic event. In 2024, Riley Harris conquered JK Rodeo's formidable No. 1048 for an outstanding 86 points, claiming the only qualified ride of the night. The 2025 edition promises equally heart-stopping moments as cowboys face off against 2,000 pounds of twisting, bucking bovine athlete.

Timed Events

The precision and speed of rodeo's timed events showcase a different kind of athletic excellence. Steer wrestling—the "bulldogging" event—features cowboys leaping from horseback to wrestle a running steer to the ground, with times often under five seconds. Tyke Kipp's 4.0-second run set the standard last year.

Team roping highlights partnership between two mounted contestants—the header and heeler—working in perfect coordination to rope a steer's horns and hind legs. The 2024 champions, Lucas Screws and Pedro Maestas, completed this intricate dance in just 7.9 seconds.

Tie-down roping combines horsemanship, speed, and precision as cowboys rope a calf, dismount, and tie three of its legs together. Last year saw a tie for first place between Cash Hooper and Brody Stallard, both clocking in at 10.4 seconds.

The Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) barrel racing event brings female athletes into the spotlight as they navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breakneck speeds. Tyra Kane's 17.70-second run edged out Jana Bean by just one-hundredth of a second in 2024, demonstrating the razor-thin margins that separate champions from the field.

Premium Livestock

Behind every great rodeo performance stands exceptional animal athletes. The City of Champions PRCA Rodeo partners with JK Rodeo, a respected stock contractor known for providing some of the most athletic and challenging bucking stock in the business. Their animals—from the explosive bareback horse "Pretty Face" to the powerful bull No. 1048—are bred and trained specifically for rodeo competition, ensuring a fair and exciting contest between human and animal athletes.

These carefully selected animals receive top-notch care before, during, and after the rodeo, with veterinarians on site throughout the event. The PRCA's strict animal welfare guidelines ensure that these valuable partners in the sport are treated with the respect they deserve.

Beyond the Competition: A Full Entertainment Experience

While the competitive events form the heart of the rodeo, the City of Champions PRCA Rodeo offers a complete entertainment package that begins well before the first event and continues throughout the evening.

The opening ceremonies celebrate patriotism and western heritage with a colorful grand entry featuring flag bearers, specialty acts, and introductions of competitors. Throughout the performance, a professional rodeo announcer keeps the energy high, educating newcomers while entertaining seasoned fans with insights into the events and competitors.

Between competitive events, specialty acts maintain the excitement level with trick riding, comedy performances, and other western entertainment. The rodeo clowns serve a dual purpose—providing comic relief while standing ready to protect fallen riders from aggressive bulls.

For families attending the rodeo, the experience extends beyond the arena with a dedicated Family Zone offering activities for younger cowboys and cowgirls. Interactive displays, western-themed games, and educational exhibits provide entertainment while introducing the next generation to rodeo traditions.

Food vendors throughout the venue offer everything from traditional fair favorites to authentic southwestern cuisine, while merchandise booths provide opportunities to take home a memento of this special event.

Securing Your Spot at the Action

The City of Champions PRCA Rodeo consistently draws enthusiastic crowds, making advance ticket purchases highly recommended. Tickets will go on sale January 28, 2025, and will be available for purchase directly through this website when sales begin.

Several seating options will accommodate different preferences and budgets, from general admission to premium reserved seating with optimal views of all the action. VIP packages will offer enhanced experiences including special access areas and additional amenities. Discounts will be available for children, seniors, and military personnel.

Digital ticketing options will provide convenient, contactless entry to the event, though traditional will-call pickup will remain available for those who prefer physical tickets. The Artesia Horse Council Arena's intimate setting ensures there are no bad seats in the house, with every ticket providing an excellent vantage point for the evening's excitement.

Planning Your Visit

The Artesia Horse Council Arena offers ample parking for rodeo attendees, with designated areas for standard vehicles, oversized trucks, and accessible parking. For those traveling from out of town, Artesia boasts several comfortable accommodation options within a short drive of the venue.

The arena's facilities are designed with visitor comfort in mind, featuring clean restrooms, accessible seating areas, and convenient concession locations. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to explore the grounds, visit vendor booths, and secure preferred seating for general admission tickets.

Community Support and Sponsorship

The City of Champions PRCA Rodeo thrives thanks to the generous support of local and regional businesses that share a commitment to preserving western heritage. These sponsorships enable the rodeo to offer enhanced prize money for competitors while keeping ticket prices accessible for families.

These community partnerships highlight the collaborative spirit that defines rodeo culture—a coming together of businesses, athletes, stock contractors, and fans to celebrate a uniquely American tradition.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience

As March 28, 2025, approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exceptional display of rodeo talent and western hospitality. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or experiencing your first rodeo, the City of Champions PRCA Rodeo offers something special for everyone.

The thundering hooves, the cheering crowds, the display of courage and skill—these elements combine to create more than just a sporting event. They forge a connection to America's western heritage that resonates with something deep in our collective identity.

Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, when tickets become available, and secure your place at one of New Mexico's premier rodeo events. The City of Champions PRCA Rodeo isn't just a competition—it's a celebration of tradition, community, and the enduring spirit of the American West.

We'll see you at the rodeo!