The American Rodeo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The American Rodeo |
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| Genre | Rodeo |
| Date(s) | Winter/Spring |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Arlington, Texas, United States AT&T Stadium (2014-2022) Globe Life Field (2023-present) |
| Years active | 11 |
| Inaugurated | 2014 |
The American Rodeo, often called The American, is a big yearly rodeo event. It has been held in Arlington, Texas, since 2014. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world can compete. They first have to pass special try-out events.
This exciting event includes the eight main parts of professional rodeo. Both new and experienced competitors can join. The competition starts with early rounds in January. The best competitors then move on to the semifinals. Finally, they reach the "Contender Round" finals. Winners of each event at The American get a special trophy belt buckle and a trophy saddle. They also win at least $100,000. In 2022, the total prize money was more than $3 million!
Contents
History of The American Rodeo
The American Rodeo first started in 2014. It was the idea of Randy Bernard. At that time, he was the CEO of Rural Media Group. Before this, he led the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) from 1995 to 2010. He also worked for IndyCar from 2010 to 2012.
How the Rodeo Was Organized
From 2014 to 2018, The American was not officially connected to any main rodeo group. Then, from 2019 to 2021, it was approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This meant that money won by cowboys and cowgirls counted towards qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). This was true if they were PRCA members. However, in 2022, The American became independent again.
Where and When to Watch
From 2014 to 2021, The American was shown live on RFD-TV. During those years, it was known as "RFD-TV's The American." In 2022 and 2023, the event was broadcast live on INSP. Since 2024, you can watch it live on Fox.
The American Rodeo was held at AT&T Stadium from 2014 to 2022. Since 2023, it has taken place at Globe Life Field.
In 2021, a company called Teton Ridge Inc. bought The American. Later, in 2024, they also bought the Western sports part of Rural Media Group. This included The Cowboy Channel.
Rodeo Events at The American
The American Rodeo features many thrilling events. These are the main competitions:
- Bareback riding
- Breakaway roping
- Steer wrestling
- Team roping
- Saddle bronc riding
- Tie-down roping
- Barrel racing
- Bull riding
Famous Winners of The American
Many talented rodeo athletes have won at The American. Some of the notable winners include:
- Trevor Brazile - 2014, 2016
- Richie Champion - 2014
- Ty Erickson - 2016, 2019
- Kaycee Feild - 2018, 2020, 2023
- Sage Kimzey - 2017, 2020
- Hailey Kinsel - 2017, 2019, 2021
- Lisa Lockhart - 2014, 2015, 2023
- Jess Lockwood - 2018
- J.B. Mauney - 2014
- João Ricardo Vieira - 2016, 2019, 2020
