2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Payson Pro Rodeo

Known as “Arizona’s Coolest Town,” Payson is the place to be for cowboys and cowgirls who love great rodeo competition that also helps numerous causes in the community.  The 2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo, scheduled for May 18-20 at the Payson Event Center, promises to be a Payson rodeo that fans who attend will remember for years to come.  Held in memory of renowned bull rider and team roper Gary Hardt, the event helps to not only preserve Gary’s memory for future rodeo fans, but also raises funds to assist numerous local organizations. 

Earnhardt Auto Center’s No Bull Customs

Media Coverage

Due to the popularity and importance of this Payson rodeo, the media coverage is always quite extensive.  With its interviews, videos, and behind-the-scenes information that fans crave, the Cowboy Lifestyle Network will give fans everything they want and much more.  In addition to CLN, other media coverage will be provided by the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Earnhardt Auto Centers, and Papa John’s Road Team, guaranteeing fans will get plenty of excitement at every turn.

Nightly Events

Since this rodeo is so popular, there are a variety of events that showcase the talents of those participating in the 2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo.  Among the most popular are:

• Barrel Racing
• Bull Riding
• Team Roping
• Bareback Riding
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Steer Wrestling

With these and other events on the schedule each night, this Payson rodeo is a real crowd-pleaser.

Special Nights

As with any great rodeo, the 2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo will have some very special nights.  One of the most important will be on Friday, May 19, when it will be Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, where everyone will be coming together to wipe out cancer.  And the following night on May 20, fans will be treated to the Patriotic Performance, which will honor wounded and fallen veterans.

Derrick Begay, Charlie Sampson and Patrick “OD” O’Donnell

Ticket Information

Like many other rodeos, the 2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo will be one Payson rodeo that fans won’t be available to stay from each night.  And to make the rodeo even easier for people to attend, ticket prices will reflect this so that a variety of people can attend.  Ticket prices are very affordable, with adult tickets costing only $16.  Seniors can attend for only $14, while kids ages 8-12 cost only $10.  And as an added bonus, kids under age seven can be admitted free, as can active military personnel. 

Things to Do in Payson

Along with the rodeo, fans can also do plenty of other things while in Payson.  Various campgrounds are nearby, as are plenty of hiking trails.  And for those who want to stay inside, they can enjoy a day of fun at an area casino, where they may win some additional spending money.  So if all this sounds good to you, plan on attending the 2017 Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo on May 18-20.