A Look Back at the 123rd Cheyenne Frontier Days

To even your average rodeo fan, “The Daddy Of ‘em All” sits at the top of the list of the summer run. Year in and year out. Award, after award. Cheyenne Frontier Days has been the pinnacle of large outdoor rodeos for 123 years.

Leading up to the 2019 edition, Cheyenne had received mixed reviews in regards to the overhaul of the rodeo format. The modified tournament-style format, drew heavy criticism, particularly amongst timed event contestants. Many of the biggest names in steer wrestling and tie-down boycotted CFD in protest of the changes.

Regardless of your stance on the format changes, the show went on, and some big names ended up taking home one of the most coveted buckles in all of rodeo. Most notably, local hero Brody Cress won his historic 3rd straight title in saddle bronc. Check out the rest of the champions below:

Bareback: Clayton Bilow 91 points

Steer Wrestling:  Eli Lord 6.9 seconds

Team Roping: Dustin Byrd/Trey Yates 7.8 seconds

Saddle Bronc: Brody Cress 87.5

Tie-down Roping: Seth Hall 10.5 seconds

Barrel Racing: TIE Nellie Miller and Shali Lord 17.56 seconds

Bull Riding: Stetson Wright 93 points

New to Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2019. Professional Bull Riders returned to Cheyenne, bringing fan-favorite PBR major “Last Cowboy Standing”. Personally, I thought this was a fantastic idea and long overdue. The two night, high-intensity event was a perfect marriage between the PBR and stellar Cheyenne fans. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Both nights were action-packed, and extremely well attended. Chase Outlaw was able to outlast an extremely deep and talented field to take home the title “Last Cowboy Standing” and move into the #1 spot in the world rankings. 

In typical Cheyenne fashion this year’s night show entertainment was absolutely fantastic. Post Malone set multiple sales and attendance records while headlining a lineup that included superstars Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner, Lady Antebellum, as well as country music legends Tanya Tucker and Clint Black.

Attendees of all ages were also able to take in the wide array of shopping, free music, the old west museum, Air Force Thunderbirds, Indian village, and midway carnival.

The 123rd “Daddy Of em’ All” was certainly a success and continues to be a must-see for anyone that’s a fan of rodeo, or the western lifestyle. Hope to see you there in 2020!