Feel the Grit, Witness the Legend: Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo

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Norco, California – Get ready for a thrilling day of rodeo action at the inaugural Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo, set to electrify the Ingalls Event Center in Norco, California, on Saturday, June 28th, 2025. The event kicks off at 6:00 pm. This event, bearing the name of a true legend, promises a spectacular showcase of rodeo talent across a range of exciting competitions. This is a special tribute to our fallen cowboys and cowgirls. Get ready to immerse yourselves in a vibrant community gathering with an action-packed rodeo, the sounds of live music mingling with the enticing aromas of food vendors, and the joyful energy of family-friendly activities. Purchase your tickets today!

Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo
Saturday, June 28th, 2025
Ingalls Event Center
3737 Crestview Dr, Norco, CA 92860

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Meet the Legend: Charlie Sampson

Charlie Sampson is an icon in the world of professional rodeo. He’s a symbol of unwavering determination and embodies the cowboy spirit. Born and raised in Watts, Los Angeles, Sampson defied expectations to become a dominant force in bull riding. He didn’t just ride bulls; he danced with danger. His grit and exceptional skill culminated in a historic moment in 1982 when he clinched the PRCA World Championship title, becoming the first African-American cowboy to achieve this prestigious honor. Over his remarkable career, Sampson has accumulated many titles, including PRCA Champion Bull Rider, PRCA Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Ring of Honor Pro Bull Rider, and Cowboys of Color Museum Inductee. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 11 times and earned numerous accolades, solidifying his place in rodeo history. His induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame in 2019 are testaments to his enduring legacy and impact on the sport.

“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

Events

The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo will feature a thrilling lineup of events, showcasing the athleticism and bravery of rodeo competitors. Spectators can anticipate the adrenaline-pumping excitement of junior bull riding (ages 12-14) and bull riding, a discipline synonymous with Sampson’s legendary career. Alongside this marquee event, the rodeo will also include the skillful displays of steer wrestling, the timed precision of calf roping and team roping, ladies breakaway, mutton bustin, and the lightning-fast runs of junior (ages 8-12) and ladies’ barrel racing. I love seeing all of the cowboys and cowgirls go out there and give it all they’ve got. Their hard work and dedication set an extraordinary example of passion and perseverance for me. Their determination is a shining example of true grit. This diverse rodeo ensures a captivating experience for rodeo enthusiasts of all ages.

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Tickets

Tickets for this highly anticipated event are available, with options to suit every attendee. Young rodeo fans (12 and under) can join the fun for just $23. Children 5 and under are free. General admission tickets are priced at $39.19, offering access to a full day of rodeo excitement. For those seeking a premium experience, VIP tickets are available for $81.88. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness top-tier rodeo action and celebrate the legacy of Charlie Sampson.

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Be Part of the Excitement: Competitor & Vendor Info

Aspiring competitors and vendors are also invited to be part of the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo. Contestants can enter for a fee of $100, providing a platform to showcase their skills in a professionally organized event. Vendors will have the chance to connect with a passionate rodeo audience. Mark your calendars for June 28th, 2025, and head to the George Ingalls Equestrian Center for a day of thrilling competition and celebration at the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo! Secure your tickets now and get ready for a memorable rodeo experience.

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Photos Courtesy of Charlie Sampson

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.