Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo 2026: A Weekend of Western Grit, Glory, and Championship Spirit
There is nothing quite like the sound of a rodeo arena coming alive. The thunder of hooves, the creak of leather, the roar of the crowd, and the anticipation that builds just before the gates swing open all come together to create an experience that can only be found in the heart of rodeo country.
This October, that unmistakable Western energy will take over Norco, California, as the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo returns for a weekend celebrating rodeo competition, Western heritage, and the legacy of one of the sport’s most influential champions.
Set for October 24–25, 2026, at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center, this two-day celebration promises to bring together rodeo fans, families, competitors, and Western enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend of action and entertainment.
If the excitement around the 2025 event is any indication, this is one Western gathering fans will want on their calendar. More than 3,000 attendees came out to the 2025 Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo, showing just how much enthusiasm and support this growing event has already earned. With that kind of turnout, the 2026 rodeo is shaping up to be another exciting celebration of the cowboy lifestyle.
Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo 2026: Dates, Times, and Location
Event: Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo 2026
Dates: Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location: George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center
Address: 3737 Crestview Drive, Norco, CA 92860
Performance Times:
Saturday, October 24: 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 25: 3:30 PM
The rodeo is scheduled to bring two full days of Western excitement to Norco, giving fans the opportunity to experience the action, atmosphere, and traditions that make rodeo such a beloved part of the American West.
A Growing Rodeo With a Big Western Following
The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo is quickly becoming a gathering place for fans who appreciate the heart, history, and excitement of rodeo. The 2025 event welcomed more than 3,000 attendees, bringing together families, rodeo enthusiasts, competitors, and supporters for a memorable weekend in Norco. That impressive turnout reflects the growing interest in an event that celebrates both the sport of rodeo and the legacy of a true Western trailblazer.
For 2026, the excitement is building once again. As fans plan another weekend of competition and entertainment, the rodeo offers a chance to experience the atmosphere that made the inaugural event such a success. From the opening of the chutes to the final run across the arena, the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo is a place where Western tradition meets the energy of modern rodeo competition.
A Name That Carries Rodeo History
The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo is more than a name on a poster. It celebrates a cowboy whose determination and accomplishments helped make history in professional rodeo.
Charlie Sampson became a trailblazer in the sport when he won the 1982 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Champion Bull Rider title, becoming the first Black cowboy to earn that championship. His achievement marked an important moment in rodeo history and helped inspire generations of athletes who followed. Sampson’s career was built on the qualities that define the Western spirit: courage, hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the sport he loved. His legacy continues to remind competitors that the road to success is not always easy, but the rewards of dedication can last a lifetime.
The rodeo carrying his name honors that legacy while creating a place for today’s cowboys and cowgirls to compete, grow, and chase their own dreams.
“Charlie Sampson is a one of a kind type of guy. He is a bull rider and true cowboy. Happy to support him in his endeavors.”
Patrick O’Donnell
Founder and CEO
Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Two Days of Heart-Pounding Rodeo Action
When the gates open and the arena lights come on, the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo will deliver the kind of excitement that keeps fans coming back for more.
Rodeo is a sport where every second matters. A successful ride, a fast run, or a perfectly timed maneuver can change the outcome in an instant. Behind every performance is years of practice, countless hours spent with horses and livestock, and the determination to step into the arena and give it everything.
The event has featured a variety of rodeo disciplines, including junior bull riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, ladies breakaway roping, junior and ladies barrel racing, and mutton bustin’.
From the speed of barrel racing to the precision of roping events and the sheer courage required in bull riding, each competition brings its own brand of excitement. Fans can expect an arena filled with athleticism, determination, and the unmistakable energy of Western competition.
Where Speed, Skill, and Courage Meet
One of the things that makes rodeo so special is the variety of talent on display. In the timed events, competitors rely on speed, accuracy, and teamwork. A fraction of a second can make the difference between a winning time and a missed opportunity. In the roughstock events, riders must combine balance, strength, and focus while facing some of the most powerful animals in the arena.
Every event tells a different story. A barrel racer and her horse explode from the starting line, turning tight around the barrels in a race against the clock. A roper settles into position, waiting for the perfect moment to make the catch. A bull rider climbs into the chute, knowing that the next few seconds will demand everything he has. That is the beauty of rodeo. It is unpredictable, demanding, and full of moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
A Weekend for the Next Generation
The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo also celebrates the sport’s future. Youth rodeo is where many of today’s competitors first learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and determination. It is where young athletes begin developing their skills, building confidence, and discovering what it means to compete in an arena.
Events such as junior bull riding, youth barrel racing, and mutton bustin’ give younger participants an opportunity to experience the excitement of rodeo and take their first steps toward bigger goals. For families, these moments can be just as exciting as the main performances. Watching a young cowboy or cowgirl enter the arena, face a challenge, and give it their all is a reminder that rodeo is about more than winning. It is about learning, growing, and carrying the Western tradition forward.
Norco: A Natural Home for the Western Spirit
Known for its strong equestrian identity and Western roots, Norco, California, provides the perfect setting for a rodeo celebrating the cowboy lifestyle.
The city’s connection to horses, riding, and Western culture makes it a natural gathering place for competitors and fans who appreciate arena traditions. Located in Southern California, Norco offers a unique blend of equestrian heritage and community spirit that continues to make it a favorite destination for Western events.
At the center of the weekend will be the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center, a premier venue for equestrian competitions, rodeos, and large-scale events. With its covered arenas, seating areas, and facilities designed for equestrian competition, the event center provides an ideal backdrop for a weekend of rodeo action. For visitors, it is more than just a place to watch the competition. It is a place to gather with friends, bring the family, and enjoy the atmosphere that makes Western events so memorable.
More Than a Rodeo: A Celebration of the Cowboy Lifestyle
The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo is a celebration of the values that continue to define the Western way of life. It is about the bond between horse and rider, the trust between teammates, and the determination to keep moving forward when things get tough. It is about families gathering in the stands, competitors encouraging one another, and communities coming together to celebrate a sport that has been passed down through generations.
For Western enthusiasts, the weekend offers a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the arena, connect with fellow rodeo fans, and experience the traditions that make rodeo such an important part of cowboy culture. The Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo offers an opportunity to see the heart, skill, and dedication that go into every performance
Come for the competition. Stay for the Western atmosphere. And celebrate the legacy of a cowboy whose name continues to inspire the sport.
The arena is calling, and the spirit of the West is ready to ride.
Thank You Sponsors
Thank you to all the sponsors who support events like the Charlie Sampson Open Rodeo. Sponsors are the backbone of Western events. With the support of sponsors, we can continue to focus on bringing our community together, supporting local athletes, and keeping Western heritage alive, celebrating the spirit of the West.
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!
Last Updated on 09/19/2026 by Olivia Clements
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