National High School Finals Rodeo 2021

The moment you guys have all been waiting for! It’s time for the National High School Finals Rodeo 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 18-24, 2021! Pack your bags and get ready cause this is going to be one heck of a good time! The rodeo will be held at the Lancaster Event Center located at 4100 N 84th St • Lincoln, NE 68507. It will be one week jam-packed with some of the best high school competitors the sport of rodeo has ever seen, along with volleyball tournaments, dances, clinics, silent auctions, and more!

NHSRA History

The National High School Rodeo Association had their very first ever finals rodeo in 1949 held in Hallettsville, Texas. With only a fraction of contestants that compete now. The organization was started by a man that went by the name of Claude Mullins. In the 1940’s Mullins was living in Hallettsville, TX. He was working a job there when one day he noticed some boys practicing tying calves down at the arena. It was at that moment he wondered as to why the sport of rodeo doesn’t host high school state finals just like all the other sports.

In June of 1947 Mullins hosted the very first ever High School Rodeo State Finals. With a staggering total of 121 entries. The first-ever state finals only hosted two events at the time which were Tie-Down Roping and Breakaway Roping. From there everything was history. Other states caught wind of the new idea and they all began to band together to create what is now known as the National High School Rodeo Association!

Daily Schedule

9:00 AM & 7:00 PM | NHSFR Rodeo Performances Main Arenas / Pavilion 3 / Pavilion 4
8:00 AM | Daily Devotional with Cory Young Northwest Corner of RCH Arena Pavilion 4
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | NHSFR Rodeo & Equine Expo [Trade Show] Pavilion 1 & Multipurpose Arena (MPA)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Cinch Town – Lincoln Room
2:00 PM | Smarty Scholarship Ropings Cinch Town – Lincoln Room

See the full schedule here.

Tickets

Advance All Season Pass Wristband (44% individual performance tickets)
*Must purchase online by Tuesday, July 13*
Advance Adult (13 & up): $110
Advance Child (5-12yrs): $55
(4 and under are FREE)

Wristband Season Pass (33% individual performance tickets)
Can be purchased on or after Wednesday, July 14 – (Note: all wristband online sales end at 1:59pm on Friday, July 16th
when the on grounds Grandstand Ticket Office opens at 2 pm on July 16th)
Season Pass Adult (13 & up): $130
Season Pass Child (5-12yrs): $65
4 and under are FREE

Individual Performance Tickets
Available at Grandstand Main Performance Arenas, Pavilion 3 & Pavilion 4 ticket offices
Adult (13 & up): $15
Child (5-12yrs): $10
4 and under are FREE

Here’s to all you national qualifiers that are going to be the future of rodeo. No matter how you do at nationals remember to never give up! Who knows you might be representing your home state one year under that Thomas & Mack stadium lights. So from everyone here at the Cowboy Lifestyle Network, we would like to wish you guys a safe trip and good luck!

Last Updated on 03/12/2025 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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