Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo: Where Tradition Meets Excitement in the Heart of Alabama
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association proudly presents one of the Southeast's most anticipated rodeo events of 2025
Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Weekend
When the summer heat begins to settle over the Alabama countryside, the thundering hooves and cheering crowds signal one thing in Dothan—it's rodeo time. The Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo gallops into town May 30-31, 2025, transforming the serene Landmark Park into an arena of western excitement and professional competition.
This PRCA-sanctioned event brings the authentic spirit of the American West to the Wiregrass region, offering spectators two action-packed evenings of world-class rodeo competition. As the sun sets over Dothan, the arena lights will illuminate some of the sport's most talented athletes—both human and animal—as they compete for a share of the $8,500 purse and valuable circuit points.
"This rodeo has quickly become a cornerstone event for our Southeastern Circuit," notes a PRCA representative. "The combination of top-tier competition, family-friendly atmosphere, and the unique setting of Landmark Park creates an experience that embodies what professional rodeo is all about."
A Showcase of Rodeo's Finest
The Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo features all seven of rodeo's classic events, each showcasing different aspects of the skills originally developed on working ranches across the American frontier.
Bareback Riding opens the competition each night, with cowboys gripping only a simple handhold as they match wits and strength with horses bred to buck. The judges score both the rider's technique and the horse's performance in this event that demands equal parts courage and control.
In Steer Wrestling, also known as "bulldogging," athletes leap from horseback onto a running steer, using strength and leverage to bring the animal to a halt. This event often comes down to fractions of seconds, with the fastest competitors completing their runs in less than five seconds.
Team Roping highlights partnership between two mounted competitors—the header, who ropes the steer's horns, and the heeler, who snares the hind legs. This is rodeo's only true team event, requiring perfect coordination between the ropers and their horses.
The classic Saddle Bronc Riding is often called rodeo's most elegant event. Riders must maintain perfect form while spurring in rhythm with their bucking horse's movements, creating what many consider the most technically challenging eight seconds in sports.
Tie-Down Roping tests a cowboy's precision and speed as they rope a calf, dismount, and swiftly tie three of the animal's legs—a modern version of the skills working cowboys use when doctoring calves on the range.
The Women's Professional Rodeo Association brings Barrel Racing to the competition, where female athletes and their horses navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breakneck speeds, often separated by mere hundredths of a second on the leaderboard.
The evening concludes with rodeo's most famous event—Bull Riding. Competitors attempt to stay aboard a spinning, leaping bull for eight seconds with only a flat braided rope for support. It's an adrenaline-charged finale that often brings the crowd to its feet.
"What makes our Landmark Park event special is the intimate setting," explains a rodeo committee member. "Spectators are close enough to feel the ground shake when the bulls burst from the chutes. You don't just watch this rodeo—you experience it."
Securing Your Spot at the Rodeo
With the Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo growing in popularity each year, advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Tickets will be available starting March 30, 2025, right here on this webpage.
The rodeo offers several seating options to enhance your experience. Reserved seating provides guaranteed spots with optimal views of all the action, while general admission allows flexibility for families and groups. VIP packages will also be available for those seeking a premium rodeo experience.
Special discounts will be offered for military personnel with valid ID, and group rates make this an ideal outing for church groups, businesses, and organizations. Early bird specials will reward those who plan ahead, with special pricing available for a limited time after tickets go on sale.
"Last year's Saturday performance sold out two weeks before the event," recalls a committee member. "We expect an even stronger response this year, so we're encouraging folks to mark their calendars for March 30th when tickets become available."
For those with questions about tickets or accessibility accommodations, staff will be available to assist through the online purchasing system when sales begin.
More Than Just Competition
While the rodeo events form the heart of the weekend, the Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo delivers a complete entertainment experience that extends beyond the competitive action.
Professional rodeo clowns will keep the crowd laughing between events while also serving as bullfighters who protect fallen cowboys from charging bulls. Their combination of comedy and courage adds another dimension to the rodeo experience.
The grounds will feature a variety of food vendors offering everything from traditional fair favorites to Southern specialties. Merchandise booths will provide opportunities to take home rodeo souvenirs, western wear, and handcrafted items from local artisans.
Families with young children will appreciate the kid-friendly activities available before the main performance begins. Face painting, mechanical bull rides adjusted for younger riders, and western-themed games create memories for the next generation of rodeo fans.
"We've designed this as a complete evening out," says a rodeo organizer. "Many folks make a day of it, exploring Landmark Park's historical exhibits in the afternoon before enjoying the rodeo in the evening."
Community Impact and Support
The Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo represents more than just a sporting event—it's a celebration of agricultural heritage and a significant economic driver for the Dothan area. Local businesses benefit from the influx of competitors and spectators, while the event helps preserve western traditions for future generations.
The rodeo committee works closely with area sponsors who make the event possible. These community-minded businesses recognize the value of supporting an event that brings families together while showcasing professional western sports.
"The partnership between the PRCA, Landmark Park, and our local sponsors creates something special," notes a committee member. "This rodeo connects our agricultural past with our present community in a way that's both entertaining and meaningful."
Planning Your Visit
Landmark Park offers ample parking for rodeo attendees, with designated areas for those with accessibility needs. Security personnel will be present throughout the grounds to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.
The rodeo takes place rain or shine, with the covered arena providing protection from light precipitation. In case of severe weather, announcements regarding any schedule changes will be made through official channels.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore the grounds, enjoy pre-rodeo activities, and find their seats before the Grand Entry begins each evening at 7:30 PM. The rodeo typically runs approximately two and a half hours, creating a perfect evening entertainment option.
A Tradition in the Making
Though relatively young compared to some PRCA events, the Landmark Park Rodeo has quickly established itself as a highlight of the Southeastern Circuit calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls value the enthusiastic Alabama crowds, while spectators appreciate the opportunity to see professional rodeo close to home.
"What we're building here is a tradition," reflects a rodeo committee member. "We see families returning year after year, with children who grow up watching the rodeo eventually bringing their own kids. That's how rodeo has always passed from one generation to the next."
As May 2025 approaches, anticipation will build throughout the Wiregrass region for these two nights of western sports and entertainment. Whether you're a dedicated rodeo fan who knows every rule and competitor or a first-timer curious about this uniquely American sport, the Landmark Park PRCA Rodeo promises an authentic experience that connects us to our shared heritage while delivering world-class athletic competition.
Mark your calendars for May 30-31, 2025, and prepare to witness the courage, skill, and tradition that have made rodeo an enduring part of American culture. When the chute gates swing open at Landmark Park, you'll be part of a celebration that's simultaneously a professional sporting event and a living link to our frontier past.
Tickets go on sale March 30, 2025. Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement!