The 2022 Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo getting ready to kick off

Last updated 6/8/2022 at 10:22am | View PDF

Brian Guack/© Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

The Girl of the West makes an appearance at the 2021 Rodeo.

The 2022 NFR Open will be hosted by the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, July 13-16, in Colorado Springs, promising to make this year's rodeo a highly attended event.

The inaugural NFR Open powered by RAM will be one of the biggest rodeos of the 2022

PRORODEO season with $1 million in payouts to contestants, livestock and other PRCA members.

"The NFR Open is one of the most significant PRORODEOS of the year," said Tom Glause, CEO of the PRCA. "Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the Colorado Springs community check all the boxes needed for an event like this. A great rodeo, with a lot of community support. I'm looking forward to it!"

The NFR Open, formerly titled the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, is the most prestigious rodeo under the PRCA circuit system and will feature two contestants in each event from each of the 12 U.S. circuits, plus Canada, bringing more than 200 contestants to the Norris-Penrose Event Center for five competition rounds over the four days. The event will culminate with a semifinals and finals on Saturday, July 16, when the national circuit champions will be crowned.

This event is also one of the highest-paying events in PRORODEO and will be a key ingredient for cowboys and cowgirls shooting to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas taking place later in the year.

"We've been putting on a world class rodeo for many years – a role we will be proudly continuing," Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Board President Dan Ferguson said. "But now we have the opportunity to host an even more elite level of competition with the NFR Open. This event showcases the best in the sport of professional rodeo and gives our Rodeo and the Springs national visibility."

Stan VanderWerf, chair of the Board of County Commissioners, stated, "It is exciting news that we'll be hosting one of the most elite competitions in rodeo right here in the Springs at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. We'll be welcoming contestants and their families, as well as fans of the sport from all over the U.S. to enjoy the Open and all our town has to offer."

All evening performances begin at 6:45 p.m., Saturday matinee begins at 12:15 p.m. Grounds open at 4 p.m. for evening performances and at 10 a.m. for the Saturday matinee, and parking is free.

There's lots to do before the Rodeo begins. Grounds open at 4 p.m. for the evening performances, and at 10 a.m. for the Saturday matinee. Mutton bustin' preliminaries or try-outs are tons of fun for everyone. Plus there's pony rides, longhorns, a barrel train, a petting zoo, roping demos, and even a horse-drawn wagon! With vendor booths on the north and south sides of the arena, you'll see a wide array of souvenirs to choose from. Vendors and concessions offer plenty of options for meals, snacks, and drinks.

And after the Rodeo, head on over to the Coors Roadhouse Saloon for great music, dancing, and some ice cold Coors.

Our local military are honored at each performance:

Wednesday, July 13 - Fort Carson Night