Why You Can’t Afford to Miss the CINCH Playoffs Governor’s Cup

There is a moment right before the chute opens where the world goes completely silent.

You can feel it in your chest: the heavy thump of a two-ton bull, the smell of sawdust, the electric tension in the air as thousands of fans hold their breath together. Then, in a split second, the gate explodes open. The roar of the crowd shakes the arena floor, and raw, unfiltered adrenaline takes over.

This isn’t just sports; it’s grit, glory, and heart-pounding Western tradition pushed to the absolute limit. The richest rodeo event in South Dakota history, the CINCH Playoffs Governor’s Cup, takes over the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.

September 25–27, 2026
1021 N W Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
6 PM Pre-event
730 PM Rodeo
10 PM Buckle Ceremony followed by after-party

Discover Sioux Falls: The Ultimate Host City

While you’re in town for the big event, take time to explore everything that makes South Dakota’s largest city a premier destination! Known for its vibrant mix of natural beauty and Midwestern charm, Sioux Falls offers plenty to see between rodeo performances:

• Famous Falls Park: Located just minutes from downtown, this stunning 128-acre park is the city’s crown jewel. Watch thousands of gallons of water cascade over ancient pink quartzite rock formations along the Big Sioux River, climb the observation tower, or explore historic ruins like the 1880s Queen Bee Mill.
• Downtown SculptureWalk: Stroll through the bustling downtown district, famous for its year-round outdoor art exhibit featuring dozens of unique sculptures lining Phillips Avenue.
• Local Dining & Craft Breweries: Sioux Falls boasts a booming culinary scene filled with local steakhouses, craft breweries, and cozy cafes perfect for fuel before the chutes open.

Kick Off the Excitement: The Pre-Show Family Experience

The action begins long before the rodeo clock starts ticking! Arrive early each day to take part in the CINCH Playoffs Pre-Show, a feature-packed event designed with family fun for all ages in mind.

• Meet the Stars: Get up close and personal during official athlete autograph sessions, giving kids and fans a rare chance to meet world-champion cowboys and cowgirls.
• Up-Close Rodeo Action: Check out the legendary bucking bulls up close, enjoy interactive games, explore Western vendors, and soak in the pre-show family festivities before taking your seat for the main event.

How It Works: High Stakes & Clean-Slate Drama

This isn’t just another stop on the tour; this is the final battleground for ProRodeo athletes fighting for a spot at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. With over $1 million on the line, the high-stakes format ensures non-stop, cutthroat competition:

• Qualification: The top 24 contestants in the PRCA Playoffs Series point standings compete in Puyallup, WA. From there, the top 4 finishers in Puyallup and the top 8 overall points leaders earn their spot in Sioux Falls, SD.
• Rounds 1 & 2: All 12 qualifying contestants face off in the opening two rounds.
• The Cut: Only the top 8 contestants in the aggregate after Round 2 move on to Saturday.
• The Round of 8: Saturday kicks off a clean-slate round where previous scores are wiped away the top 4 times, or scores advance to the championship round.
• The Final 4: Another clean-slate round determines the ultimate champions in a high-pressure, winner-take-all showdown!

“The event rodeo fans will see in September is like the AFC, NFC championship games in football or the pennant race in baseball. It will change the landscape for who is the world champion.”

Rorey Lemmel
General Manager

Anchored by Rodeo Legends: Flint Rasmussen & Andy Stewart

An incredible event deserves an iconic voice, and the CINCH Playoffs are bringing you the absolute best in the business.

• Flint Rasmussen: The undisputed king of rodeo entertainment. As a legendary entertainer and host, Flint brings unmatched energy, comedic genius, and crowd interaction that keeps thousands of fans roaring from start to finish.
• Andy Stewart: A multi-time PRCA Announcer of the Year nominee, Andy’s iconic voice captures every fraction of a second in the arena, bringing you deep into the heart of every ride, run, and wreck.

Together, their legendary talent turns every performance into a world-class show you’ll be talking about for years.

Two Nights of Epic Live Music Included FREE with Your Ticket!

Here’s the best part: Your rodeo ticket doubles as your admission to the Official Buckle Ceremony After Party and Concert on both Friday and Saturday nights! The moment the dust settles in the arena, the party moves straight into top gear with a stellar musical lineup.

Friday Night: Josh Weathers

Kick off your weekend with the soulful, powerhouse vocals of Josh Weathers. Known for his burn-the-house-down live shows that blend country, rock, and soul, Josh brings an intoxicating energy that will have the entire crowd singing along.

Saturday Night: Chancey Williams

On Saturday night, get ready for rodeo country royalty. Saddle bronc rider turned country star Chancey Williams takes the stage. With his authentic cowboy roots and high-octane stage presence, Chancey brings real Western rock to round out an unforgettable night.

Plus, you’ll get to see the winning cowboys and cowgirls receive their championship belt buckles live on stage right before the bands take over!

Don’t Watch History from the Sidelines Be There Live!

Memories like this don’t happen on a screen. They happen when you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of passionate fans, cheering until your voice is raspy, feeling the bass of live country music echo through your chest, and celebrating the spirit of the West. The race is on for the finish to the NFR 2026, and you don’t want to miss it.

Seats are filling fast for this record-breaking weekend. Don’t let someone else sit in your seat while NFR history is made.

Grab Your Tickets Now at CINCHPlayoffs.com and gear up for the ultimate rodeo weekend in Sioux Falls!

Wrangler Promotion

Looking as sharp as the cowboys in the arena just got a whole lot easier. Wrangler is running an exclusive rodeo-season promotion at local stores. For a limited time, you can score Buy 2, Get 1 Free on Wrangler jeans and grab a $10 rebate on shirts. Mark your calendar and swing by your local retailer to lock in these savings

Last Updated on 08/27/2026 by Jodi Erpelding

About the Author:

Jodi Erpelding

Biography:

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!

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