The Crossett Riding Club Rodeo: A Southern Tradition Returns to Arkansas
The dust will fly and the crowds will roar as one of Arkansas's premier rodeo events returns to Crossett
When the late spring air settles over southeastern Arkansas, the town of Crossett transforms into a hub of western heritage and thrilling competition. The Crossett Riding Club Rodeo, scheduled for May 28-30, 2025, at the iconic Capp Gates Arena, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of rodeo culture in the South.
A Storied Tradition
The Crossett Riding Club has deep roots in the community, fostering western heritage and horsemanship for generations. This PRCA-sanctioned event has become a cornerstone of the southeastern Arkansas rodeo circuit, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region. With a substantial $28,000 purse on the line, the stakes are high for competitors looking to make their mark in the Southeastern Circuit.
"This rodeo isn't just about competition—it's about community," says a longtime Crossett Riding Club member. "For three nights, our town becomes the center of rodeo action in Arkansas, and we couldn't be prouder of that tradition."
The Capp Gates Arena, with its distinctive rustic charm, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of western sport and culture. As the sun sets over the arena each evening, the atmosphere transforms into something magical—a blend of competitive spirit, community pride, and pure entertainment that defines the rodeo experience.
Championship Competition
The 2025 edition promises three action-packed evenings featuring all the classic rodeo events that fans have come to expect. Competitors will test their mettle in bareback riding, where cowboys match their strength and technique against the explosive power of bucking horses. The event requires perfect balance, timing, and raw courage as riders attempt to stay aboard for eight seconds while maintaining proper form.
Saddle bronc riding—often called rodeo's classic event—showcases the elegant dance between cowboy and horse. With roots tracing back to the tasks of working ranch hands, this event combines technical skill with traditional horsemanship in a display of controlled chaos.
No rodeo would be complete without bull riding, the crown jewel that often closes each performance. As 2,000-pound bulls twist, turn, and kick with remarkable agility, riders hang on with one hand, free arm waving, in what many consider the most dangerous eight seconds in sports.
The timed events bring their own brand of excitement to the arena floor. Team roping tests the precision and coordination of two mounted competitors working in perfect harmony to rope a steer. Barrel racing showcases the lightning-fast turns and thundering hooves of horse-and-rider teams navigating a cloverleaf pattern with split-second precision.
Additional events like tie-down roping and steer wrestling round out the program, ensuring something for every rodeo enthusiast. For the youngest fans, special events like mutton bustin' provide an adorable introduction to rodeo competition, as children hold tight to wool sheep in their own version of roughstock riding.
The Competitors
The Crossett Riding Club Rodeo attracts talent from across the Southeastern Circuit and beyond. Local Arkansas competitors often find themselves matched against regional champions and rising stars looking to climb the PRCA standings. For many, this rodeo represents an important opportunity to earn points toward circuit finals and potentially the National Finals Rodeo.
Behind every great rodeo is a stock contractor providing the animal athletes that make the competition possible. These carefully bred and maintained horses and bulls are professional athletes in their own right, selected for their athletic ability and temperament. The stock contractor works closely with rodeo officials to ensure both animal welfare and competitive quality throughout the event.
A team of experienced judges oversees all competition, ensuring adherence to PRCA rules and fair scoring across all events. Their trained eyes catch every nuance of a ride, from proper spurring technique to the degree of difficulty presented by each animal.
Beyond the Competition
While the rodeo action forms the heart of the event, the Crossett Riding Club Rodeo offers a complete entertainment experience. Live music fills the air between competitions, with western bands creating the perfect soundtrack for this celebration of cowboy culture. The distinctive aroma of barbecue and other southern favorites wafts from food vendors, offering spectators a taste of local culinary traditions.
The grounds surrounding Capp Gates Arena transform into a festival atmosphere with merchandise vendors selling everything from custom western wear to handcrafted jewelry. For families, additional attractions provide entertainment before and after the main events, making the rodeo an all-day destination.
Securing Your Spot at the Rodeo
The popularity of the Crossett Riding Club Rodeo means that advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets for the 2025 event are expected to go on sale in late March, approximately two months before opening night.
Spectators can choose from several ticketing options to customize their rodeo experience. General admission seating provides access to the grandstands on a first-come, first-served basis—perfect for those who enjoy the energy of the crowd. For those seeking a premium experience, reserved seating offers guaranteed spots with optimal views of all the action.
Families will appreciate the availability of discounted tickets for children and seniors, making this an affordable outing for multiple generations. Weekend passes represent the best value for dedicated fans planning to attend all three performances, providing a comprehensive rodeo experience from opening night through the championship finals.
When tickets become available, they can be purchased directly through this website with just a few clicks. Digital tickets offer convenient access through your mobile device, though traditional printed tickets will also be available for those who prefer a tangible keepsake of their rodeo experience.
For those planning to attend with larger groups, special group rates may be available, making the Crossett Riding Club Rodeo an ideal outing for everything from birthday celebrations to corporate team-building events.
Accessibility is a priority at Capp Gates Arena, with designated seating areas for those with mobility challenges. The venue is designed to ensure that the excitement of rodeo is accessible to all fans, regardless of physical limitations.
Community Support
The Crossett Riding Club Rodeo wouldn't be possible without the generous support of local and regional sponsors. These businesses and organizations provide crucial financial backing that helps maintain the quality and tradition of this beloved event. Their logos displayed throughout the arena stand as a testament to the strong community partnerships that sustain western heritage in southeastern Arkansas.
For businesses interested in aligning with this celebration of western values and community spirit, sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 event are available at various levels. From arena signage to program advertisements, these partnerships offer visibility while supporting a treasured community tradition.
Safety First
While the thrilling nature of rodeo competition is part of its appeal, the Crossett Riding Club places the highest priority on the safety of all participants—both human and animal. Throughout each performance, specialized sports medicine professionals remain on standby, ready to provide immediate care if needed. These experienced medical personnel understand the unique challenges of rodeo sports and are equipped to address everything from minor injuries to more serious situations.
A dedicated security team works diligently to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment for all attendees. Their presence, while unobtrusive, helps maintain the welcoming atmosphere that has made this rodeo a community favorite for generations.
Comprehensive emergency procedures are in place to address any situation that might arise during the event. From inclement weather protocols to clear evacuation routes, the organizing committee leaves nothing to chance when it comes to spectator safety.
The Heart of Rodeo Country
As the dates for the 2025 Crossett Riding Club Rodeo draw closer, excitement builds throughout southeastern Arkansas. This isn't merely a sporting event—it's a celebration of heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the American West.
For three nights in late May, Capp Gates Arena will become the epicenter of rodeo action in the region. The thundering hooves, the roar of the crowd, the flash of sequined western shirts under arena lights—all combine to create an unforgettable experience that transcends mere entertainment.
Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or considering your first visit to this uniquely American tradition, the Crossett Riding Club Rodeo offers something special. It's a place where the values of hard work, determination, and respect for tradition are on full display, wrapped in a package of world-class competition and family-friendly entertainment.
Mark your calendars for May 28-30, 2025, and prepare to experience the best that rodeo has to offer in the heart of Arkansas. When the announcer calls "Let's rodeo!" at Capp Gates Arena, you'll want to be there to answer the call.
The Crossett Riding Club Rodeo—where tradition meets competition in a celebration of western heritage you won't want to miss.