Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo: A Spring Tradition Returns to El Paso The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association proudly presents the 2025 Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo, bringing world-class rodeo action to El Paso, Arkansas this April When spring arrives in the Natural State, the unmistakable sounds of thundering hooves, cheering crowds, and western music can only mean one thing—rodeo season has returned to Central Arkansas. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to announce the 2025 Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo, set for April 18-19 at the renowned Two Bar Two Arena in El Paso, Arkansas. ## A Celebration of Western Heritage For generations, rodeo has been more than just a sporting event in Arkansas—it's a celebration of our agricultural roots, western heritage, and the cowboy way of life. The Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo continues this proud tradition, bringing together top competitors, quality livestock, and family entertainment for an unforgettable weekend. "This rodeo has become a cornerstone event for our community," shares a local PRCA representative. "We're proud to bring sanctioned rodeo action to El Paso and showcase the incredible talent of both our regional competitors and national champions." As a PRCA-sanctioned event, the Central Arkansas Rodeo offers competitors the opportunity to earn valuable points toward circuit standings and national finals qualification. With $11,250 in prize money at stake, spectators can expect to see determined athletes bringing their absolute best to each event. ## World-Class Competition The two-day event will feature all seven traditional PRCA events, ensuring non-stop action from the first gate opening to the final buzzer: Bareback Riding – Often described as "riding a hurricane," bareback riders grip a simple handhold while their powerful broncs launch, buck, and twist beneath them. Points are awarded for both the rider's technique and the horse's performance in this ultimate test of upper body strength and control. Steer Wrestling – Also known as "bulldogging," this event showcases incredible timing, strength, and coordination as cowboys leap from horseback onto running steers, bringing them to a halt in mere seconds. Team Roping – The only true team event in rodeo, featuring "headers" who rope the steer's horns and "heelers" who secure the hind legs. Success requires perfect coordination between both ropers and their horses. Saddle Bronc Riding – Considered rodeo's classic event, saddle bronc riding evolved directly from ranch work and demands precise rhythm and timing as riders match their movements to their bucking horses. Tie-Down Roping – A demonstration of precision and speed, where cowboys rope calves, dismount, and secure three legs with a pigging string—a skill developed from actual ranch work. Barrel Racing – Female athletes and their highly-trained quarter horses navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breathtaking speeds, where mere hundredths of a second can separate champions from the pack. Bull Riding – The rodeo's grand finale features cowboys attempting to ride one-ton bulls for eight seconds with only a flat braided rope for support—widely considered the most dangerous eight seconds in sports. The younger generation will also have their moment in the spotlight with the crowd-favorite Mutton Bustin' competition, where pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls test their riding skills atop sheep in what often becomes the most photographed moments of the weekend. ## Top-Tier Talent The Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo consistently attracts competitors from across the Southeastern Circuit and beyond. From circuit champions to National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, the caliber of talent entering the Two Bar Two Arena promises spectacular performances throughout the weekend. Behind every great rodeo is a quality stock contractor providing the athletic animals that are equal partners in the competition. The 2025 event will feature livestock selected for their athletic ability and consistency, ensuring a fair competition where champions are made through skill rather than luck. Overseeing the action will be PRCA-certified judges who evaluate rider technique and animal performance with expert precision, while the rodeo announcer keeps spectators informed and entertained throughout each performance. ## More Than Just Competition While the competitive events form the heart of the rodeo, the Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo delivers a complete entertainment experience for attendees of all ages. Pre-rodeo activities begin well before the grand entry, with the grounds opening early for fans to explore vendor booths featuring western wear, handcrafted items, and rodeo memorabilia. Food vendors will offer everything from traditional fair favorites to authentic barbecue and southwestern specialties. The rodeo performances themselves will be enhanced with professional entertainment acts between competitions, keeping the energy high throughout the evening. Special intermission performances will showcase precision horsemanship, comedy acts, and other western entertainment traditions. Families with young children will appreciate the kid-friendly activities available throughout the grounds, including face painting, mechanical bull rides adjusted for younger riders, and opportunities to meet rodeo personalities. After Saturday night's final event, the arena will transform for a post-rodeo celebration featuring live music and dancing under the Arkansas stars—the perfect way to cap off an authentic western weekend. ## Community Impact Beyond the entertainment value, the Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo serves as a significant economic driver for El Paso and surrounding communities. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses all benefit from the influx of competitors and spectators during rodeo weekend. The event also maintains strong ties to agricultural education, with portions of proceeds supporting youth western sports programs and agricultural scholarships. For many local youth, this rodeo provides their first exposure to western heritage and the agricultural way of life that remains vital to Arkansas's economy and culture. Local businesses have rallied behind the event as sponsors, with support ranging from title sponsorships to in-kind donations that help make the rodeo possible. These community partnerships ensure the tradition continues for future generations while providing valuable exposure for businesses throughout the region. ## Secure Your Seats Early With the Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo's growing popularity, early ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Tickets will go on sale February 18, 2025, and will be available for purchase directly through this website. Multiple seating options will be available to accommodate different preferences and budgets, including general admission, reserved seating, and premium VIP packages that include special amenities. Family-friendly pricing ensures the event remains accessible for spectators of all ages, with special rates available for children, seniors, military personnel, and groups. Accessibility seating will be available in designated areas of the Two Bar Two Arena, and staff will be on hand to assist patrons with special needs. For those unable to secure tickets online, will-call pickup will be available at the arena box office on event days. ## Plan Your Visit The Two Bar Two Arena in El Paso provides an ideal setting for rodeo competition, with excellent sightlines and a covered seating area that ensures the show goes on regardless of weather conditions. The facility offers ample parking, modern restrooms, and concession areas designed to handle large crowds efficiently. For those traveling from outside the immediate area, El Paso's central location makes it easily accessible from Little Rock, Conway, and other Central Arkansas communities. The area offers various accommodation options for those wishing to make a weekend of their rodeo experience. ## Safety First The Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo maintains the highest standards for both human and animal safety. Professional bullfighters and pickup men—the unsung heroes of rodeo—will be in the arena during rough stock events to protect fallen riders, while on-site medical personnel stand ready to address any injuries immediately. The PRCA's comprehensive animal welfare rules will be strictly enforced throughout the competition, with veterinarians on call and livestock carefully monitored before, during, and after each performance. These measures reflect rodeo's long-standing commitment to the proper treatment of the animal athletes that make the sport possible. ## Join the Tradition Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or experiencing your first western event, the 2025 Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo promises an authentic slice of Americana that celebrates our western heritage while delivering world-class sporting competition. Mark your calendars for April 18-19, 2025, and prepare to experience the thrills, skills, and community spirit that have made rodeo an enduring tradition in the Natural State. When the dust settles at the Two Bar Two Arena, you'll understand why the Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo has become a must-attend spring tradition for families throughout the region. Tickets go on sale February 18, 2025. Don't miss your chance to witness the action firsthand! The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to sanction the 2025 Central Arkansas PRCA Rodeo as part of its ongoing mission to preserve western heritage through the sport of rodeo.