Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Assoc. Circuit Finals 2014

The Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team recently attended the 2014 GCPRA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals in Fort Mohave, Arizona. CLN caught up with many familiar faces at the Avi Casino & Resort, such as, rodeo contestants Amanda Barlow, Becky Mahoney, Chance Stone, Kyle Charley, Tara Snider, Tyler Kenson and even Professional Bull Fighter Luke Krout of K4 Bucking Bulls.

When it comes to cowboys, bucking broncos and riding the biggest and toughest bull in the corral, there’s nothing more popular in the western United States than a rodeo. One of the most popular rodeo organizations in that part of the country is the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association, based in Buckeye, AZ. Led by president Paul Carmen, the GCPRA has become a driving force in recent years for bringing some of the best rodeo events to many western states.
While a relatively young organization, the GCPRA has found itself growing at a rapid pace. Its official publication, Rodeo News, currently boasts a print circulation of more than 15,000 readers and close to 100,000 more who read it online.
Considered a regional rodeo association for many years, it stands ready to take its place as one of the country’s most respected rodeo organizations.

Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association (GCPRA)

Rodeo Schedule

The Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association currently sanctions the majority of its rodeos in Arizona. However, it has recently begun to expand its outreach to other western states such as California. The GCPRA currently sponsors many rodeos that are growing in popularity and attracting some of the best competitors in the United States. Some of the most competitive rodeos include:

• Gilbert Days Rodeo
• Colorado River Round-Up
• Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo
• Banning Stagecoach Days

Rodeos are held year-round, allowing competitors many opportunities to show off their skills in front of crowds that are continuing to increase as the level of competition does as well.

Sponsorships

Many times, you can tell how popular an event or organization is by how many corporate sponsors are on board with them. In the case of the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association, more sponsors are joining them each and every year. While many are regional businesses, others are well-known national names that are discovering the potential exposure rodeo competition affords them. Some of the most well-known national sponsors include:

• NAPA Auto Parts
• Budweiser and Bud Light Beer
• Cinch Rodeo
• Earnhardt Auto Centers

GCPRA Rodeo Events

As with most rodeos, the GCPRA has something for everyone at its rodeos. Both individual and team competitions are held, allowing for many championships to be won. All contestants in these events must be members of the GCPRA, which differentiates it from other rodeo organizations. Memberships can be purchased for $85 per year, and can be bought on-site at most rodeos. Some of the most popular events at GCPRA rodeos are:

• Bull riding
• Team roping
• Barrel racing
• Steer roping

With continued support from nationally-known sponsors and as word spreads about the high levels of competition, the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association is poised to have a breakout year in 2015 and beyond.