Apr 14, 2021

Fort Hays State prepares for 55th annual rodeo

Posted Apr 14, 2021 10:15 AM
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo

FHSU University Relations

Shae Biedenbender has been rodeoing since the age of five and you can see her and the FHSU Rodeo team in action this weekend at the 55th annual FHSU NIRA Rodeo.

The FHSU Rodeo is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, April 16-18 at Doug Philip Arena, located on Golf Course Road, a half mile west of U.S. Highway 183 Alternate, Hays.

Public performances begin at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The 2021 

FHSU rodeo queen will be crowned during Sunday’s performance.

“We’re super excited- it’s going to be a great rodeo,” Biedenbender said. “Especially because we have that home-town advantage and as a team we’ve been accelerating. Everyone’s been doing great so we can’t wait to get out there and see how everyone does. “

Nearly 600 competitors from 22 schools in the Central Plains Region will compete in bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, cowgirls barrel racing, cowgirls breakaway roping, cowgirls goat tying, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping.

These student athletes are competing for the opportunity to qualify for the College National Finals June 11-19 in Casper, Wyo.  The top three individuals in points in each individual event, as well as the top two teams, in each of the 11 regions across the country will win their seat at the CNFR.

Tickets can be purchased at the Student Service Center in FHSU’s Memorial Union; Orscheln Farm & Home, 2900 Broadway Ave.; and Vanderbilt’s, 2704 Vine. Advance ticket prices are $10. Prices at the gate will be $12.

COVID precautions will be applied to ensure the safety of our competitors and audience members including a new digital program guide that can be scanned when entering the arena.