Excitement is coming your way! Taking place in beautiful Payson, AZ from August 20-22, 2020, the 137th annual Payson Rodeo is ready to kick open the chutes! As the oldest continuous rodeo, this awesome PRCA event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser filled with action, talent, and fun. Bringing in all kinds of crowds for the three-day event, make sure to mark your calendars now!
History
Founded in 1882, the town of Payson AZ was first known as Green Valley. in 1884 the town’s name was changed, honoring Illinois Representative Lewis E. Payson. “Arizona Charlie”, Abraham Henson Meadows, was one of the organizers of the first Payson Rodeo, along with John Collins Chilson. The first event was held in a mid-town pasture in 1884, it was mainly a handful of cowboys and ranchers testing their roping, riding skills and horse speed in a friendly competition among neighbors. Silver dollar pitching was also one of the events, with others soon added. The venue was later moved to Main Street from 1885 to 1926, in spite of the occasional stock getting loose, cowboys would rope the animal and return it to the corral, often to the excitement of the crowds watching.
Events
This year, some of the events include:
- WPR Barrel Racing on Thursday, August 20 | Gates open @ 5 PM | Performance @ 6 PM | Admission (1) can of food
- Payson Pro Rodeo Performance #1 – Tough Enough To Wear Pink on Friday, August 21 |Gates open @ 5 PM |Performance @ 7 PM | Proceeds to benefit local breast cancer awareness programs | Buy tickets here.
- Payson Pro Rodeo Performance #2 – Coca –Cola Family Day: Giveaways & Family Day, Saturday, August 22| Gates open @ 11 AM | Performance @ 1PM | Buy tickets here.
- Payson Pro Rodeo Performance #3 – Special Patriot Performance on August 22 | Gates open @ 5 PM |Performance @ 7PM |Active Military receive Free Admission | Buy tickets here.
Although this year’s event looks a bit different, the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee is committed to the health and safety of not only their town but also all the contestants and attendees that will be present as well. We have never seen a committee more determined to keep their rodeo moving forward and keep raising money for things that matter most.
Ticket Information & General Entry
Covid-19 Precautions
Everyone that comes into the rodeo grounds will be required to sign a waiver (Click Here) stating that they have not or do not have the virus. Masks will be highly recommended and increased cleaning and washing stations will be available. Buy your tickets now to make sure that you have yours, as they may have to limit seating.
Friday Night & Saturday Afternoon Tickets
Adult (13-64) general admission is $18, child (8-12) general admission is $10, and senior (65 and up) general admission is $16. Children 7 and under, general admission is free. All reserved seats for all ages are $25. Buy tickets here.
Saturday Evening Tickets
*Prices are subject to change. General admission is $25 and child (8-12) general admission is $10. Children 7 and under, general admission is free. All reserved seats for all ages are $35. Buy tickets here.
Sponsorship and Charities
Among the popular sponsors for this PRCA event is Coors Beer. Other sponsors include:
- Wrangler
- Matazhal Hotel and Casino
- Town of Payson
- Justin Boots
- Coca-Cola
- Resistol and so many more!
The Payson Pro Rodeo Committee takes pride in their work, stating,
Our mission is to take all of the proceeds [of our events] and give them to charitable organizations in our community that can really use the money to further their cause. It is with great pride that we are able to give back to our community.