Rodeo News

Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo: A Legacy of Grit, A Day of Thrills

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Norco, California – Experience an unforgettable evening of rodeo excellence at the inaugural Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo, named in honor of a true legend, on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, at the Ingalls Event Center in Norco, California, beginning at 6:00 pm. This event, a special tribute to fallen cowboys and cowgirls, will not only showcase thrilling rodeo competitions but also offer a lively atmosphere with live music, diverse food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Don’t miss out – get your tickets today!

Photo Courtesy: Aaron Kuhl (CLN)
Photo Courtesy of Ingalls Event Center

Discover the Rodeo Events That Inspire

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo unleashes a thrilling lineup of events, showcasing the raw athleticism and incredible bravery of rodeo’s finest. You’ll feel the adrenaline surge watching the future of rodeo in junior bull riding (ages 12-14), then witness the power and skill of bull riding – a discipline that defined Sampson’s legendary career. Beyond the heart-stopping bulls, marvel at the precision of steer wrestling, the lightning-fast teamwork in calf roping and team roping, the exciting ladies breakaway, and the adorable mutton bustin’. The sheer grit and unwavering passion that all of the cowboys and cowgirls display, from the junior (ages 8-12) and ladies’ barrel racing to every single event, will not only captivate you but also inspire a deep appreciation for their determination and perseverance, which deeply resonates with me. It’s a diverse spectacle promising an unforgettable experience for every fan.

Meet Charlie Sampson: The Icon Who Redefined Rodeo

Step into the extraordinary world of Charlie Sampson, an icon whose name is synonymous with true grit and the indomitable cowboy spirit. Born in Watts, Los Angeles, Sampson defied every expectation, not just riding bulls, but conquering them with a grace and determination that set him apart. His career reached a pivotal peak in 1982 when he made history, becoming the first African-American cowboy to win the PRCA World Championship title, a monumental achievement that reverberated through the sport. Beyond this groundbreaking victory, his numerous accolades, including his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame, speak volumes about his enduring impact and the powerful example he continues to set for anyone daring to chase their dreams.

“I didn’t know I was gonna be a bull rider. Does it surprise you that I’m from Watts? I wasn’t big enough to play basketball or fast enough for football. But I came to love this sport. You can’t outmuscle a bull. But deep down, I knew I could conquer that animal once I got belief, a positive attitude, strength, and the ability to react in split seconds.”

-Charlie Sampson

Secure Your Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo Experience

Your opportunity to witness unparalleled rodeo action and honor a true legend is here! Secure your tickets today for the highly anticipated Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo, before they’re gone. Join the excitement: young champions (12 and under) can experience the thrill for just $23, and little buckaroos 5 and under get in for FREE! Dive into a full day of adrenaline with General Admission at $39.19, or treat yourself to the ultimate experience with our exclusive VIP tickets for $81.88. Don’t let this incredible celebration of grit, skill, and legacy pass you by – choose your adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Thank You Sponsors

Special thank you to all of the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo sponsors for making this event possible. Go get your favorite Wranglers, saddle up and join Cowboy Lifestyle Network for a celebration in California.

Wrangler

The Western Wear icon since 1947, Wrangler is an authentic American brand with a rich legacy rooted in the Western Lifestyle. The brand is the title sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and supporter of hundreds of western events across North America. From the greatest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world, like Stetson Wright, JB Mauney, and Hailey Kinsel, to headlining country music artists, George Strait, Aaron Watson, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, Wrangler is the brand of choice for the biggest stars in the West. Long Live Cowboys! Long Live Cowgirls!

Megan deFabry

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music. For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI. Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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