Kansas City, Missouri residents have the chance to enjoy watching professional and budding western athletes compete during one of the nation’s oldest sporting events. The exciting events featured at the 2016 American Royal Rodeo unfold at the Hale Arena on September 23 and 24. Along with the PRCA Pro Rodeo, spectators are treated to a number of entertaining options that include chute tours, mutton busting and live concerts.
History of the American Royal
In 1899, the facility originally hosted the National Hereford Show, which enabled cattle ranches to show and sell their stock. By 1905, the American Royal Horse Show was added. Today the event hosts six equestrian competitions attended by horse owners and lovers. In 1949, the venue introduced Kansas City to the American Royal Rodeo. Discontinued in 1951, the rodeo returned to adoring fans in the spring of 1965. The PRCA Pro Rodeo moved to fall in 1976 and became synonymous with traditional rodeo events along with concerts provided by a lineup of star-studded country music musicians and vocalists.
The American Royal Pro Rodeo provides one of the final opportunities of the season for members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to improve their scores and monetary rewards. American Royal Rodeo event winners walk away with $5,000.
Student Program
The venue added an educational program, which was named the American Royal Student Ambassadors program. Annually, the educational event welcomes thousands of students from the metro area to learn about the field of agriculture. Youngsters are encouraged to tour the facility, see exhibits and attend the youth rodeo. Additionally, one female and one male student from across the country are selected to represent the American Royal while winning scholarships.
Commemorative Activities
Wear pink on Friday to support breast cancer awareness. On Saturday, the PRCA Pro Rodeo plans on commemorating the nations military by hosting a special ceremony. Along with food and games provided at the Pendelton Whiskey Tailgate area, Travis Marvin and Noe Palma will perform live.
As September is also National Hunger Awareness Month, American Royal Rodeo spectators are invited to donate non-perishable food items in the Harvester’s barrels, which will benefit Kansas City families.
As always, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Cowboy Lifestyle Network and the Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team will be in attendance to cover all of the activities and events as they take place. Rodeo fans not able to attend the 2016 American Royal Rodeo have the chance to keep up with all the action by visiting the Cowboy Lifestyle Network website.
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