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SWEETWATER EVENTS COMPLEX OFFERS TIPS FOR ATTENDING NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO, JULY 15-21

November 13, 2019

Sweetwater Events Complex Offers Tips for Attending National High School Finals Rodeo, July 15-21

-‘World’s largest rodeo’ showcases 1,500 high school competitors-

Rock Springs, Wyo. – The Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyo., will host the 64th Annual National High School Finals Rodeo July 15-21. The event is dubbed the ‘world’s largest rodeo’ and features the most talented cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world who compete for national titles, prizes and their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships.

With so many competitors, the event promises to be action-packed. Here, Sweetwater Events Complex offers eight tips for making the most of the rodeo experience.

  •  Plan ahead. Buy tickets early, and book a room or campsite as soon as possible. There are many lodging options – visit the Sweetwater Events Complex lodging page for more information. Tickets are available online and start at $8 for adults and $5 for children.
  • Take care of yourself. Rock Springs is located at about 6,300 feet above sea level, and the air is dry. Drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen early and often. A wide-brimmed hat will also provide additional protection.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Sweetwater Events Complex boasts 80,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 42,000-plus square foot agricultural complex, and parking for 1,000 vehicles. That’s a lot of ground to cover!
  • Take it all in. Rodeo events take place simultaneously in three different competition arenas, and the shooting sports competition takes place at a fourth venue.  Two of the arenas are visible from the should this be one word?. Arrive early to get the best seat, and buy a program so you can plan to see each event.
  • Cheer for everyone. Even if they fall off their horse, don’t earn a time or knock over a barrel, show the participants some appreciation. Nothing is worse than getting to this national stage but coming up short, says Dalton Richards the 2010 All-Around Cowboy. “These kids are giving it their all, so cheer them on!”
  • Be prepared for non-stop action. The National High School Finals Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the world with 13 performances over seven days. There are 1,500 cowboys and cowgirls competing from all over the U.S., Canada and Australia.  
  • Expect to be impressed. Most of the participants have been rodeoing their entire life, so the competition is fierce. As James Higginbotham, executive director of the National High School Rodeo Association puts it, “Most of these kids could compete at any level. They are just too young!”   
  • Visit the NHSFR tradeshow. There is simply something for everyone at the tradeshow, which features nearly 300 vendors and concessions. Don’t miss your chance to take a little bit of the rodeo home.

For a tentative schedule of events for the rodeo visit http://www.sweetwaterevents.com/Upload/File/2012NHSFR%20ScheduleTentative.pdf.

About Sweetwater Events Complex
The Sweetwater Events Complex boasts a 20,000 square foot exhibition building, a 42,480 square foot agricultural complex and parking for more than 1,000 vehicles. Located just five miles from downtown Rock Springs, Wyo., Sweetwater Events Complex hosts Wyoming’s Big Show; horse events and rodeos; moto-cross, BMX and stock car racing; demolition derby; concerts and more.

About National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA)

The National High School Rodeo Association, Inc. (NHSRA) is headquartered in Denver, Colo. One of the largest youth organizations in the nation, the NHSRA has an annual membership of around 13,000 students grades 6-12 from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia.  The teams, on average, consist of the top four in each event.  Students qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) at their respective state and provincial finals.  Many of the NHSFR qualifiers compete in more than one event. The National High School Rodeo Association is governed by National Directors (one representative from each state/provincial association). These volunteer board members are dedicated to the success of the NHSRA and the youth of North America. This group also plans the National High School Finals Rodeo each year.

Contacts:

Chad M. Banks, Sweetwater County Events Complex

307-352-6789 ext 213 | 307-872-6348 ext 213 | [email protected]