Rodeo News

Tucson Rodeo Committee cancels Tucson Rodeo 2021

Vows to return in 2022

The Tucson Rodeo Committee has been hard at work planning for the 2021 Tucson Rodeo and as we have learned more about the medical realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the logistical realities of social distancing within the context of our rodeo, planning efforts yielded two goals:

  1. Produce an event that is as safe as possible for everyone who enters the Tucson Rodeo Grounds and inspire attendees to feel safe.
  2. Produce an event that is financially viable in 2021 to ensure future financial stability.

Large rodeos such as the Tucson Rodeo are complex and expensive operations that rely on attendance, local support, sponsorships and most of all, volunteers. Event logistics are challenging in the best circumstances and nearly impossible to manage in the middle of a global pandemic.

The health of our spectators, volunteers, contestants, vendors and staff is the upmost priority of the Tucson Rodeo Committee. Current health and safety mandates in Tucson and Pima County regarding social distancing and large gatherings are either too expensive, too complicated or simply not feasible at the Tucson Rodeo and make it impossible to provide the full traditional and historic experience that our attendees expect. Similarly, as a not-for-profit organization, we cannot risk the financial setback by putting on a minimized event.

“With the amount of planning that goes into this event, we feel there is too much uncertainty to take the chance of continuing forward at this time,” said Mark Baird, Chairman of the Board, Tucson Rodeo. Therefore, the Tucson Rodeo Committee believes that the only course of action is to cancel the 2021 Tucson Rodeo. This difficult decision is in the best interest of the health and safety of our community, guests, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and contestants.

Besides the loss of this long-standing community event, this decision will have a larger impact on our community and economy. The annual financial impact of the rodeo is in excess of $15 million. In 2020 the Tucson Rodeo Committee provided $250,000 to charitable organizations through event proceeds.

The Tucson Rodeo Committee is already planning to be back in the saddle and stronger than ever when the Tucson Rodeo returns February 19-27, 2022.

TUCSON RODEO COMMITTEE 

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is staged by the nonprofit Tucson Rodeo Committee, Inc. A portion of the rodeo proceeds benefits community groups including Lion’s Clubs, 4-H Clubs and Rotary Clubs. For more information about the Tucson Rodeo visit: tucsonrodeo.com.

Patrick OD O'Donnell

The moment a bull's gate swings open—that's when Patrick "OD" O'Donnell feels most alive. From his early days riding bareback through Arizona pastures to revolutionizing the bull riding industry as President of Bull Riders Only, OD has lived the Western lifestyle he now champions as Founder of Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Growing up in Casa Grande's sunbaked agricultural heartland, he didn't just learn about horses and ranching, he lived it daily, developing the instincts and grit that would later attract 4 million followers to CLN's authentic voice. After his baseball days at the University of Arizona, OD saw something others missed: bull riding wasn't just a sport, but was compelling entertainment waiting for the right vision. Between 1990-1997, his leadership transformed local rodeo competitions into sold-out arena events that changed Western sports forever. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives CLN's coverage of everything from championship rodeos to the quiet heroism of ranch life. When he's not building the digital home for cowboy culture, you'll find OD supporting Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, leading CLN’s 25-year Christmas Toy Drive for Arizona kids, or sharing his love of horsemanship with special needs riders through Arizona's own Horses Help. Living proof that authentic Western values still have the power to transform lives.

Recent Posts

Round Off the 4th of July Celebrations at Saddle Club

With the Independence Day weekend right around the corner, there’s no better way to soak… Read More

21 hours ago

Cameo Fence ™ Solves Costly Horse Fence Myths

Real Talk When it comes to fencing for horses, there’s no shortage of strong opinions.… Read More

2 days ago

Ogden Pioneer Days 2025

The summer rodeo run is in full swing and I, for one, am so excited!… Read More

4 days ago

Cheyenne Frontier Days™: “The Daddy of ’em All!”

Whether you're a rodeo fanatic or gearing up for your very first, chances are you've… Read More

4 days ago

Electric Pickle: Your New Favorite Spot for Pickleball, Bites, and Live Beats!

Get ready to dive into a one-of-a-kind experience that's serving up fun, flavor, and friendly… Read More

5 days ago

Calgary Stampede 2025

Pack those bags because we are headed to “The Great White North” for the highly… Read More

6 days ago