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Tucson’s annual rodeo celebration,  La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, marked the opening weekend of its centennial anniversary with a record-breaking crowd eager to celebrate one of the Southwest’s most iconic events. 

The rodeo opened to a sold-out Saturday, with 11,000 fans ready to mark the occasion and witness the heart-pounding action. Sunday saw another 10,350 attendees, as spectators filled the grounds, creating an atmosphere that celebrated cowboy culture, fierce competition, and the untamed spirit of the Wild West. 

Fans from all over gathered to witness the action and honor the rodeo's historic commemoration.

“It's one of the most prestigious rodeos that's out there,” said Andy Guzman, a participant from California.

But the rodeo is more than just a competition, with vendors selling everything from shimmering pink cowboy hats to some of Tucson’s favorite eats — Sonoran hot dogs, sizzling carne asada, and piping hot funnel cakes. 

“It's awesome. The people here, the fans. They packed the house out in the performances, so it's awesome to get to compete in Tucson any chance you get,” said Riley Webb, a 2024 finalist from Texas. “Everybody wants to come out and support it and be involved.”

The festivities kicked off with a fireworks display, then the air buzzed with the sounds of country tunes, hooves hitting the dirt, and the chatter of rodeo fans young and old. Children giggled as they got up close with mighty stallions and pint-sized miniature horses, while veteran rodeo-goers tipped their hats in respect for a century-old tradition that continues to thrive.

After two days of adrenaline-pumping weekend performances, competitors were treated to a break on Monday and Tuesday for “slack” events, which allow additional contestants to compete in the rodeo. With only eight to 12 slots for each event, extra contestants are filtered into the slack event competitions. 

“It seems like they (kids) cheer for the calves more than do the cowboys,” Steven Hawks from Colorado said while watching Monday’s slack events. 

On Wednesday, the rodeo grounds will swap broncs as beats for the “Boots in the Dirt Music Festival” takes center stage. Gates open at 2 p.m., with live performances starting at 4 p.m. The concert will blend country charm with rodeo grit, giving fans a midweek break filled with music, dancing, and celebration under the Arizona sky.

Boots in the Dirt includes a battle of the bands competition that showcases rising bands vying for a coveted performance spot. With a mix of country, rock, and Southern soul, each group will bring their best to impress the judges and audience alike. The competition is fierce, and only one winner will be crowned.

Rodeo events fire back up again on Thursday, following  the annual Tucson Rodeo Parade. Events will include junior rodeo and mutton bustin’,  bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women’s barrel racing and bull riding.

Tickets and bleacher seats are still available for Thursday and Friday, but seats have already sold out for Saturday and Sunday’s events.

There are still “grazing tickets” available for the weekend, which grant access to the grounds and allow ticket holders to walk around, shop, enjoy food and drinks and soak in the rodeo atmosphere. They do not provide access to the bleachers to watch the events. 

“Rodeo is a part of American culture,” said attendee Hayes Smith, from Oregon. “I think rodeo brings every community together… It's a great thing to have in every city, small town because there's different shapes, sizes, people that come watch. It's great.” 

Following the official Tucson Rodeo festivities, on Saturday, March 1, the UA Rodeo will bring Wildcat pride to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds in a celebration of college rodeo. The day kicks off with slack events at 9 a.m., leading up to the main rodeo performance at 2 p.m. This year’s event will also feature a concert, adding live music to the mix of bucking broncs and high-speed roping.

For tickets, schedules, and the latest results, visit tucsonrodeo.com. The rodeo has a clear bag policy, meaning only clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, along with one-gallon freezer bags and small clutch bags. Diaper bags are permitted, but all bags will be subject to search. Parking is $10, and payments are cash-only.

Angelina Maynes is a University of Arizona alum and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

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