CFD Rodeo debuts updated format
The Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Rodeo will feature an updated format in 2026, including significant changes to the rodeo’s structure which officials say are designed to support the rodeo’s long-term sustainability.
This summer, the iconic “Daddy Of ‘Em All” will feature 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo action following the addition of a Friday performance on July 17 and an increased prize money payout from $770,000 to $960,000.
Notably, slack qualifying rounds for timed events are set to be replaced by a series of qualifying rodeos spanning a nine-state region in the weeks leading up to CFD.
A press release issued by CFD personnel on Feb. 13 outlines the changes and the reasons for them, with CFD officials saying the updated format will allow for more rodeo action and an enhanced overall experience for fans, contestants and volunteers.
Updated format
The most significant change highlighting the 2026 CFD Rodeo is the elimination of timed-event slack rounds.
Rather than advancing through a series of slack rounds in the week preceding CFD, contestants in tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing will qualify through a combination of qualifying rodeos, world standings and circuit qualifications.
According to the press release, CFD worked with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) to select qualifying rodeos.
The release also explains advancement to the semifinals will be determined by performance during the first six preliminary rounds, with top competitors moving on to one of three semifinal rounds.
“From there, finalists will advance to championship competition, where champions will ultimately be crowned during the finals on July 26, ensuring a competitive field and strong nationwide representation inside the Frontier Park arena,” reads the release.
Reasons for change
Citing challenges to accommodating “huge numbers of modern rodeo rigs” used by timed event contestants, CFD officials say the new format will help reduce congestion on rodeo grounds and offer relief to “road-weary contestants” and event volunteers alike.
The addition of a Friday rodeo performance will allow for even more rodeo action, while the qualifying rodeo format will help preserve the caliber of competition associated with CFD.
“Our goal is to have long-term sustainability for all of our events, especially the rodeo that is the cornerstone of our celebration,” said CFD Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig. “There are a lot of factors to consider when planning – from our relationships with our sanctioning bodies PRCA and WPRA to the contestants and the thousands of volunteers who put in countless hours to make it all possible.”
In addition, the press release references current challenges with cattle availability as a major factor impacting the world of professional rodeo generally.
Qualifying rodeos
Timed event contestants in the PRCA and WPRA will get nine chances to punch a ticket to the Daddy Of ‘Em All.
The nine qualifying rodeos for PRCA steer wrestlers, tie-down ropers and team ropers will be the Angelina Benefit Rodeo in Lufkin, Texas; Coleman Rodeo in Coleman, Texas; Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Association in Elizabeth, Colo.; Colorado Stampede in Grand Junction, Colo.; Lakeside Rodeo in Lakeside, Calif.; American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.; Franklin Rodeo in Franklin, Tenn.; Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo in Central Point, Ore. and the Navajo PRCA Rodeo in Window Rock, Ariz.
The nine qualifying rodeos for WPRA breakaway ropers and barrel racers will be the Lakeside Rodeo in Lakeside, Calif.; American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.; Kiwanis Rodeo in Clarksville, Tenn.; Rodeo Killeen in Killeen, Texas; Colorado Stampede in Grand Junction, Colo.; Navajo PRCA Rodeo in Window Rock, Ariz.; Eastern Oregon Livestock Show in Union, Ore.; McKenzie County Ag Expo Pro Rodeo in Watford City, N.D. and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.
“We are excited for the rodeos selected to serve as qualifiers,” Hirsig added. “This is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with other professional rodeos spread out geographically across the U.S.”
CFD will celebrate its 130th anniversary this summer, with professional rodeo action slated to come to Frontier Park in Cheyenne from July 17-26.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
