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7 Shocking Secrets Behind The 90+ Year Tradition Of The Old Fort Days Rodeo In Fort Smith, AR

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The Old Fort Days Rodeo remains one of the most enduring and high-stakes events on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit, drawing top-tier competitors and massive crowds to Fort Smith, Arkansas, every Memorial Day. As of late 2025, the excitement is already building for the next installment of this historic contest, which has been a pillar of the Arkansas-Oklahoma frontier spirit for over nine decades. This article dives into the latest schedule, the massive prize money, and the unique history that makes this event a must-see for rodeo enthusiasts.

The annual spectacle, held at the iconic Harper Stadium within Kay Rodgers Park, is more than just a competition; it's a week-long celebration of Western heritage, family fun, and professional athleticism. With the 2025 event having just concluded and the 2026 dates already set, the Old Fort Days Rodeo continues to cement its legacy as a premier ProRodeo destination, offering a substantial purse and critical world-standings points to the world's best cowboys and cowgirls.

The Essential Guide to the Old Fort Days Rodeo: Dates, Location, and History

The Old Fort Days Rodeo is a cornerstone event in Fort Smith, AR, and a highlight of the national rodeo calendar, consistently scheduled around the Memorial Day holiday to kick off the summer season.

Key Event Details and Schedule

The rodeo is a multi-day affair, typically running for six nights, culminating in the final championship performances. The atmosphere at Kay Rodgers Park is electric, with action-packed events every evening.

  • Location: Harper Stadium at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, AR 72904.
  • 2025 Dates: May 26–31, 2025.
  • 2026 Dates: May 25–30, 2026.
  • Sanctioning Body: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
  • Presenting Sponsor: Choctaw Casino and Resort.

A Legacy Spanning Over Nine Decades

The history of the Old Fort Days Rodeo is deeply intertwined with the frontier spirit of the Arkansas River Valley. The event first began in 1933, making it one of the longest-running rodeos in the state and the entire country.

For more than 92 years, the tradition has united the cowboy spirit of Arkansas and Oklahoma, reflecting the courage and grit that shaped the region. It serves as a powerful testament to Western culture and a major economic driver for the Fort Smith area.

The High-Stakes PRCA Events and Recent 2025 Results

As a major stop on the PRCA circuit, the Old Fort Days Rodeo attracts elite athletes competing for significant prize money and valuable points towards the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. The 2025 event, for example, featured an impressive added money purse of $69,000, ensuring the competition was fierce.

The Seven Core PRCA Events

Spectators can witness the full slate of ProRodeo events, showcasing various disciplines of cowboy and cowgirl skill:

  • Bareback Riding: The ultimate test of upper-body strength and balance.
  • Steer Wrestling (Bulldogging): A timed event requiring strength and precision to bring a steer to the ground.
  • Team Roping: The only true team event, requiring perfect synchronization between the Header and the Heeler.
  • Saddle Bronc Riding: Often called the "classic" rodeo event, judged on technique and spurring motion.
  • Tie-Down Roping (Calf Roping): A fast-paced event where the cowboy ropes and ties a calf.
  • Barrel Racing: The premier women's event, a race against the clock to navigate a cloverleaf pattern.
  • Bull Riding: The most dangerous and thrilling event, requiring a successful eight-second ride.

Breakdown of 2025 Competition Highlights

The 2025 rodeo delivered incredible performances, setting the stage for the rest of the PRCA season. The high caliber of competition was evident across all events:

  • Team Roping Champions: The duo of Lightning Aguilera and Wyatt won the Team Roping event, posting a crucial victory for their world standings.
  • Breakaway Roping Success: Cowgirls Aspen Miller and Hannah Hughes made headlines by winning the Breakaway Roping event with lightning-fast 1.9-second runs, demonstrating the explosive growth of women's rodeo.
  • Calf Roping: The event featured a significant added money pot, attracting top calf ropers looking to secure a spot in the May ProRodeo World Standings.

Beyond the Bull Riding: The Complete Old Fort Days Experience

The Old Fort Days Rodeo is a week-long festival that extends far beyond the main event in Harper Stadium. The entire Kay Rodgers Park complex comes alive with activities designed for the whole family, creating a true festival atmosphere.

The Old Fort Days Stage and Free Entertainment

Every evening, both before and after the main rodeo performance, the Old Fort Days Stage hosts a variety of free entertainment. This includes live music, comedy acts, and local performers, providing a vibrant social hub for attendees.

Family-Friendly Attractions

The rodeo is famous for its commitment to showcasing future rodeo stars through youth-focused events:

  • Mutton Bustin': A crowd favorite where young children compete by riding sheep, often providing the most memorable moments of the night.
  • Junior Bull Riding: Divided by age groups, this event allows aspiring professional bull riders to hone their skills in a competitive environment.
  • The Rodeo Parade: A long-standing tradition that kicks off the week's festivities, featuring floats, equestrian groups, and local organizations marching through the streets of Fort Smith.
  • Carnival and Vendors: The surrounding grounds often feature a carnival with rides, games, and numerous food and merchandise vendors, selling everything from authentic Western wear to local Arkansas cuisine.

How to Secure Tickets and Plan Your Visit

Planning your trip to the Old Fort Days Rodeo requires securing tickets early, especially for the high-demand weekend performances.

Ticket Information and Pricing

Tickets for the event can be purchased online through the official Kay Rodgers Park website and various authorized ticketing platforms. It is always recommended to purchase directly from official sources to ensure authenticity and avoid hidden fees.

Given the event's popularity, especially the final weekend performances, securing your seats well in advance is crucial. Ticket prices vary based on the night and seating location, with options available to fit various budgets.

Topical Authority Entities for Fort Smith Visitors

To fully enjoy your time in Fort Smith, consider exploring these related entities and attractions:

  • Kay Rodgers Park: The sprawling venue that hosts the rodeo and the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair.
  • Harper Stadium: The specific arena where the main PRCA action takes place.
  • Fort Smith National Historic Site: Explore the city's military and judicial past.
  • Choctaw Casino and Resort: The presenting sponsor and a major entertainment destination nearby.
  • Belle Grove Historic District: Home to beautiful Victorian architecture.
  • Fort Smith Trolley Museum: A fun, historical transportation experience.
  • Arkansas River Valley: The scenic geographical region surrounding the city.
  • PRCA ProRodeo: The national governing body sanctioning the event.
  • Memorial Day Weekend: The traditional time slot for the annual rodeo.
  • NFR (National Finals Rodeo): The ultimate goal for all competing cowboys and cowgirls.

The Old Fort Days Rodeo is a time-honored tradition that perfectly blends the excitement of world-class professional rodeo with the charm of a community festival. Whether you are a lifelong rodeo fan or a first-time visitor, the combination of high-stakes competition, family entertainment, and deep-rooted history makes this Memorial Day event in Fort Smith, AR, an unforgettable experience.

7 Shocking Secrets Behind the 90+ Year Tradition of the Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith, AR
old fort days rodeo fort smith ar
old fort days rodeo fort smith ar

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