Photos courtesy of Rodeo Scottsdale
Rodeo Scottsdale, also known as the Parada Del Sol Rodeo, is officially sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and is one of the oldest rodeos in the country. The family-friendly event is packed with excitement, featuring bull riding, wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing, and more.
The 70th Annual Rodeo Scottsdale is March 9 through 12 at the WestWorld of Scottsdale Equidome, 16601 N. Pima Rd. On Thursday nights, enjoy an exclusive bull riding-only performance including professionals as well as up-and-coming future world champions. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances are dedicated to the eight events of professional rodeo. Each performance is, on average, two to three hours long.
Witness the champion athletes in the saddle bronc, bareback bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, team roping, and, of course, bull riding every day! Get in some laughs and additional entertainment with the PRCA Specialty Acts and PRCA Rodeo Clown throughout the rodeo performance. Each rodeo performance begins with the National Anthem, with the American Flag graciously represented by the Bridwell Family Drill Team.
Rodeo is a sport that stands out from others in today’s world. So many sports today exist solely for entertainment purposes. Rodeo, however, is derived from an actual lifestyle, with skills one uses in their everyday ranching responsibilities.
Rodeo dates to early ranching days, hundreds of years ago! As horses and cattle were being introduced to the western region of America in the 1800s, the cowboy era was born.
Breaking horses and catching cattle typically required the cowboys to have impressive horseback riding and roping skills. The ability to rope livestock quickly and accurately was necessary for livestock to receive medical care, to be branded, to be sold, and occasionally to avert danger.
Neighboring ranches would often have friendly contests against each other to see whose cowboys could complete the task at hand, the fastest and the most accurately. This is where the sport of rodeo’s roots trace back to!
Today, professional rodeo showcases the abilities of both animal athletes, and cowboys and cowgirls. With seven classic competitions — now eight, including the recently-added breakaway roping, the sport of rodeo consists of two categories: roughstock and timed events.
Rodeo Scottsdale’s ticket sales are 100% digital and contact free. Get tickets and information at rodeoscottsdale.com.
