An aesthetic of Americana
2026 is a special year. America is turning 250 years, Colorado is turning 150 years, and among the patriotic and purposeful events of the summer season is the legendary NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, presented by John Deere, from July 14-18. Come out to see the top champions in rodeo, featuring the highest-ranking contestants in each event. Every ticket comes with the invitation to holler, cheer and stomp your cowboy boots!
Now in its 85th year, the thrilling competition, where the values of service and community are on full display, will once again be on the picturesque grounds of the Norris Penrose Event Center at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. This public exhibition of skill and speed has deep roots in the cattle ranching practices of Spanish vaqueros in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. in the 16th century, giving it a multicultural heritage. The very word rodeo, derived from the Spanish word rodear, meaning “to surround,” or “go around”) was first used in U.S. English around 1834, to denote a “round up” of cattle.
Rodeo has, in fact, been a principal component of the Pikes Peak region for decades … and before that, a significant part of America’s western heritage. Today, Colorado Springs is home to multiple rodeo organizations, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to learn about rodeo legends who live (and lived) among us.
“The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is a living story — where the history of the sport and the excitement of modern PRORODEO come together,” said Therese Cobb, director, ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy. “From the evolution of cowboy attire, blending tradition with function, to championship buckles, legendary stock, and unforgettable champions, the Hall of Fame captures the heart of rodeo in every corner.”
The events of professional rodeo (Bareback Riding, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding) reflect America’s frontier life, where lessons in perseverance, courage and community helped people survive — and thrive. Like those who came before them, rodeo professionals have heart and hope, passion and perseverance, grace, grit and guts, and are not afraid to sweat or sacrifice. They know that the greatest rewards lie in rodeo’s challenging and unpredictable nature.
Long live rodeo!
The cowboy competitions of the late 19th century grew and evolved, becoming the beloved modern rodeo of today, with national and global appeal.
The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is where top professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from each of the 12 U.S. circuits, plus the Canadian Circuit, and National Champions from Mexico compete to be named PRCA Circuit Champions. This field of 200+ contestants will be bringing the heat and the horsepower, filling the arena with excitement and electricity for five fun-filled days. They will be riding to win and kickin’ up some dust on a quest for payouts over $1 million.
Here is a sneak peek at the schedule of events at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo:
- Tuesday, July 14, 7:30 p.m. — U.S. Army SMDC & MDA Night, sponsored by Omni Federal
- Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. — Fort Carson/4th Infantry Division Night, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual
- Thursday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. — First Responders & 302nd Airlift Wing Night, sponsored by UCHealth
- Friday, July 17
12:30 p.m. — Military Family Day and 10th Special Forces Group, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co
7:30 p.m. — Space Night, Sponsored by KBR
- Saturday, July 18
12:30 p.m. — U.S. Air Force Academy, sponsored by USAA
7:30 p.m. — NORAD/USNORTHCOMM Night, sponsored by Lockheed Martin
The grounds open at 10 a.m. for matinee performances and 4 p.m. for evening performances.
Proceeds from the Rodeo support local military — from the U.S. Air Force Academy to NORAD/USNORTHCOM, U.S. SPACECOM, Schriever Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson — and their families.
Friday Matinee is Military Family Day with BOGO tickets offered to all active duty military. You can show your thanks to local military families by donating to the Military Tribute Program, which provides Rodeo Experience Packages to military families, complete with tickets, meal vouchers, and access to select Fan Zone activities.
Contributions are accepted up thru May 25 — https://norrispenrose.givingfuel.com/pikes-peak-or-bust-rodeo-military-tribute-program-2026. Or visit PikesPeakorBust.org/ Contact Us to read more about the program.
“The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has a long history with our local military and community. It dates back to 1946, the first year that proceeds from the event were given back to support quality of life initiatives for service members and their families,” said President of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Board of Directors Laurie Carroll. “Every Rodeo performance honors a local military organization, opening with a video highlighting their mission, remarks from a ranking officer, and the singing of our National Anthem. We’re reminded of the impact the funds generated make to the lives of military members and their families. These stories tug at the heartstrings, but our hearts are warmed by the success stories we have helped write: The spouse of a deployed military member who was home alone with four children when her refrigerator went out … and was replaced at no cost to her; families who received airfare and had travel arrangements made for relatives’ funerals; others who received Thanksgiving food baskets. Like the trailblazers before us who had vision and determination to make things better, we are proud to uphold their legacy of service and the tradition of giving back.”
Volunteers make the Rodeo viable!
Thousands of man hours from hundreds of volunteers are needed to put on the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. They help greet people, guide them to their seats, work in the Fan Zone and other areas on the grounds, from the front of the house to behind the scenes. Come early and stay late, because there’s entertainment for the whole family before, during and after the rodeo! Because they care, thousands of spectators can gather for a timeless tradition, feeling a sense of belonging, united in fellowship and freedom.
Amazing action — inside the arena and out!
Attractions for the young ones include pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, rides and mutton bustin’! Ticketholders can ride a mechanical bull, too! Plus, there’ll be vendors for food and souvenirs that let you take a piece of the rodeo home with you! They will be in the Fan Zone and on the North and South sides of the arena. Merchandise ranges from authentic Western wear to hats, toys and more. After the evening performances, the over 21s can enjoy live music and dancing.
Additionally, everyone can enjoy rodeo entertainment that goes beyond the competition, from announcers Bob Tallman and Doug Mathis, to Barrel Man Matt Merritt; the Flying Arena Stars, third-generation trick riders, sisters Shyla Layna and Clara Navarre; Bullfighters Beau Schueth and Tyler Dahl; and performances by the Pikes Peak or Bust Range Rider Pivots and Pikes Peak Rangerettes Drill Team, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit, and this year’s Girl of the West, Kaylee Gripentrog.
Dressed for success!
The clothing worn by today’s cowboys and cowgirls continues to be a distinctive, historical silhouette that started on the frontier. What cowboys and cowgirls wear and how they speak are a look and language all their own, recognizable around the world.
Life on the range dictated a wide-brimmed hat that served myriad purposes, from getting a drink of water to fanning a fire or showing a signal; long-sleeved cotton, flannel or wool shirts; sturdy pants; a bright cotton neckerchief that filtered out dust, wiped sweat and served as sun protection; leather boots; chaps of cowhide, goatskin or angora wool, guarding against barbed wire, thorn bushes and cold weather; and leather gloves ensuring that hands tasked with roping or handling barbed wire remained unharmed.
While utilitarian by nature, Western wear was personally styled and has been a long-standing fashion influencer over the years, with this part of rodeo culture riding high in popular culture!
Get your ticket(s) today!
Sellout performances are expected, so be sure to get your tickets while you can, at PikesPeakorBust.org. It’s the best way to buy safely and securely, and get the best price!
Box Seats put you close to the action; Grandstand seats provide a grand view of the action, while End Zone seating, in front of the roping chutes, offers a good sight line.
Parking passes for parking lots on the grounds are available at checkout when you purchase tickets online. If you want to skip the traffic, there is free garage parking and a free shuttle that will help you avoid the lines, getting to the Rodeo and back to your car in record time!
Important dates in rodeo history
1929: The Rodeo Association of America is formed and inaugurates the first national champion.
1936: The Cowboy Turtles Association is formed. It undergoes a name change to the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1945, which then became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1975.
1940: The Cowboys Amateur Association is formed.
1945: The Cowboy Turtles Association changes its name to the Rodeo Cowboys Association.
1948: The formation of the Girl’s Rodeo Association is started; it is now the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
1958: The National Finals Rodeo Commission is created by the RCA.
1961: The National High School Rodeo Association is formed.
1962: The first regular rodeo school opens.
1975: The Rodeo Cowboys Association changes its name to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
1979: The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is established by the PRCA in Colorado Springs, Colo.
1987: The National Circuit Finals Rodeo began.
2015: The Bull Riding Hall of Fame is established in Fort Worth, Texas.
Professional Rodeo is one of the fastest-growing sports there is. Audiences will continue to be captivated, enthusiastically supporting future generations of rodeo athletes.
“If I had to sum up the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in a single word, that word would be ‘heritage,’ said Bill Tutt, board member of the Pikes Peak or Bust Foundation and Norris Penrose Legacy Foundation. “I started going to the Rodeo in 1946 when I was five years old and know that this all-American event has anchored our community. I have seen its exponential growth amid changes in our city and state while still remaining a major player … and a great show! When I was a boy, the original rodeo arena — at The Broadmoor — seated almost 10 thousand people and was filled to capacity. Today, thousands still fill the stands at a new location, with seats filled near-to or at capacity every performance. I believe that the best is yet to come as we continue to recognize our ancestors, rodeo and cowboys at the largest and one of the longest-running legacy events in our community. I am proud of the work we do in supporting our local military. It is my hope that western pride will keep the Rodeo at the forefront of the community … at a more modern facility in the not-too-distant future.”
