The Ultimate Showdown: CINCH Playoffs – The Governor’s Cup

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Feel the ground shake and your heart race as the ultimate test of courage storms into Sioux Falls! From September 26-28, 2025, witness the breathtaking spectacle of the CINCH Playoffs – The Governor’s Cup, where the world’s most elite cowboys and cowgirls face off against the rankest animal athletes in a display of raw power and unyielding skill. This is your chance to escape the ordinary and experience a weekend of pure adrenaline and legendary moments. Don’t just hear about the legends – live them. Secure your tickets now and be there to feel the excitement.

CINCH Playoffs – The Governor’s Cup
September 26th-28th, 2025
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
1201 N W Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Glory, Fortune, & Legacy Await

Prepare to be part of history in Sioux Falls. The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center will be the hallowed ground for a truly epic event: the richest rodeo in South Dakota’s history. Here, the finest PRCA athletes will compete for their share of a monumental $1 million-plus purse and the ultimate symbol of victory, the Governor’s Cup. This is a rare opportunity to witness unparalleled talent and determination in a high-stakes arena where glory, fortune, and a lasting legacy are all on the line.

The Last Ride to the Finals

Feel the tension as every second counts in a high-stakes showdown. The CINCH Playoffs is the final opportunity for ProRodeo athletes to earn their spot at the prestigious Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In this high-pressure environment, the top four finishers from the Puyallup Playoffs and the top eight from the Playoff Series standings will lay everything on the line, battling for the Governor’s Cup and their dreams of glory in one last charge toward the biggest stage in rodeo.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 26th & Saturday, September 27th

6:00 PM:  Pre-Show 
6:30 PM: Doors Open 
7:30 PM: Rodeo Performance
After Party: Following the performance

Sunday, September 28th

12:30 PM: Pre-Show
1:00 PM: Doors Open
2:00 PM: Rodeo Performance
Championship Ceremony: Immediately following the performance

Sponsors

Thank you to all of the outstanding sponsors.

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, 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 09/01/2025 by Megan deFabry

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

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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