NFR announces seven-year agreement at PPOB

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KXRM) — The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo made a big announcement Tuesday regarding the future of the NFR Open rodeo event in Colorado Springs.

The PCRA and Pikes Peak or Bust said the NFR Open will continue at the Pikes Peak Bust Rodeo for the next seven years.

“We’re looking forward to seven years, I probably won’t see the end of it so the next person can extend the agreement beyond that,” Chris Whitney, president of Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, told a crowd during a press conference. conference.

The National Finals Rodeo is one of the biggest on the 2024 professional circuit, where cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more.

“You can expect fast-paced action, starting with bareback riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing for the ladies, culminating with bull riding,” added PRCA CEO Tom Greuse.

In addition to the seven-year deal, the event will expand to include seven performances over five days instead of the original format of five performances over four days.

“People definitely come and stay for the week and get to see the rest of El Paso County and Colorado Springs, so I think it’s a big boon for tourism,” Whitney said.

The new agreement is expected to bring more than $6 million to the Colorado Springs economy this summer.

“It’s important for what it does for all of our businesses, for the development of the region and for the culture of the region,” Whitney added.

More than 200 top competitors from each of the U.S. and Canadian circuits as well as champions from Mexico will compete for million-dollar prizes. On Saturday afternoon, eight members will be inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

“I think it’s a huge boom for the community.” It’s certainly a boom for PCRA, and it helps us expand our membership and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association beyond the borders of the United States,” Greuse said.

New additions to this year’s lineup include a matinee performance on Tuesday and Friday.
to meet the demand for tickets after multiple sold-out days last year.

“It’s an annual extravaganza. So if you’re at all curious, you should come and try,” Whitney said.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and NFR Open will take place at the Norris Penrose Event Center July 9-13.