Old Fort Days Rodeo: Where Breakaway Roping Takes Center Stage
A PRCA-sanctioned event showcasing the lightning-fast action of women's breakaway roping against the backdrop of Fort Smith's rich rodeo heritage
When the late spring sun begins to warm the Arkansas River Valley, rodeo fans know it's time for one of the most anticipated events on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association calendar. The Old Fort Days Rodeo returns to Fort Smith, Arkansas, from May 26-31, 2025, bringing with it the heart-pounding excitement of professional rodeo competition, including the increasingly popular breakaway roping event that has captured the imagination of rodeo enthusiasts nationwide.
A Tradition of Excellence in Fort Smith
For generations, the Old Fort Days Rodeo has been woven into the cultural fabric of Fort Smith. Harper Stadium will once again serve as the backdrop for this prestigious event, where the legacy of the American West comes alive through the skill and determination of the nation's top rodeo competitors.
The 2025 edition promises to continue this storied tradition while spotlighting breakaway roping—an event that has experienced explosive growth in recent years and represents the perfect blend of technical precision, split-second timing, and raw athletic ability.
Breakaway Roping: The Lightning-Fast Art
For those new to the rodeo scene, breakaway roping showcases the incredible horsemanship and roping skills of female competitors. Unlike tie-down roping, the breakaway event focuses purely on speed and accuracy. The competitor bursts from the box on horseback in pursuit of a released calf, swings her loop with practiced precision, and catches the calf around the neck. The rope, which is tied to the saddle horn with a string, breaks away when the calf hits the end of the line—signaled by a bright flag attached to the rope's end that pops up for judges and spectators to see.
The clock stops when the rope breaks, with times often measured in mere seconds—sometimes under two seconds for the elite ropers. This lightning-fast action makes breakaway roping one of the most exciting events to witness in person.
With a $7,500 purse on the line for the breakaway competition at Old Fort Days, competitors will bring their absolute best to the arena floor. The event draws top talent from across the Ozark Circuit and beyond, with many competitors using this PRCA-sanctioned event as a stepping stone toward National Finals Rodeo qualification.
The Competitors: Talent and Determination
While the final roster of competitors won't be set until closer to the event, the Old Fort Days Rodeo consistently attracts the sport's elite performers. In the breakaway arena, spectators can expect to see a mix of established champions and rising stars, all showcasing the incredible athleticism and precision that defines this event.
These women competitors represent the evolving face of professional rodeo—athletes who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft. Many began roping from childhood, learning the fundamentals on family ranches before rising through the ranks of youth, high school, and collegiate rodeo programs.
What makes breakaway roping particularly compelling is the combination of factors that must align perfectly for success: the competitor's reaction time leaving the box, the horse's explosive acceleration and ability to rate the calf, the precision of the loop placement, and the split-second timing of the catch. All these elements come together in a breathtaking display that lasts mere seconds but represents years of dedicated practice.
Beyond Breakaway: A Full Rodeo Experience
While breakaway roping will certainly be a highlight, the Old Fort Days Rodeo delivers a complete rodeo experience with all the classic events that fans have come to expect. Bull riding brings edge-of-your-seat excitement as cowboys attempt to conquer 2,000 pounds of bucking fury for eight seconds. Barrel racing showcases the partnership between rider and horse as they navigate the cloverleaf pattern with blazing speed and precision.
The traditional roughstock events—bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding—test cowboys' courage and technique against some of the rankest stock in the business. Meanwhile, timed events like team roping, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping demonstrate the practical ranching skills that gave birth to rodeo competition.
Between competitive events, spectators will enjoy professional rodeo entertainment that keeps the energy high throughout the performance. The carefully choreographed production ensures there's never a dull moment from the grand entry to the final bull ride.
More Than Just Competition
The Old Fort Days Rodeo transcends mere sporting event status—it's a celebration of Western heritage and community spirit. The week's festivities extend beyond Harper Stadium with a parade through downtown Fort Smith that brings competitors, sponsors, and community members together in a colorful display of rodeo pageantry.
Throughout the rodeo grounds, vendors will offer everything from authentic Western wear and handcrafted leather goods to delicious fair-style food. Families will find plenty to enjoy with kid-friendly activities designed to introduce the next generation to rodeo traditions.
Live music and entertainment round out the experience, creating an atmosphere that's as much cultural festival as sporting event. Many attendees make a tradition of arriving early to soak in the pre-rodeo atmosphere, browse the vendor offerings, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes rodeo such a unique sporting experience.
Securing Your Spot at the Action
With the growing popularity of breakaway roping and the event's storied reputation, the 2025 Old Fort Days Rodeo is expected to draw substantial crowds to Harper Stadium. Tickets will go on sale beginning March 26, 2025, approximately two months before the event.
Rodeo enthusiasts will have several ticketing options to choose from, including general admission, reserved seating, and VIP packages. Multi-day passes will be available for those wanting to experience the full week of competition, with special rates for children and seniors making this an affordable family outing.
When tickets become available, they can be purchased directly through this website, eliminating the need to use third-party vendors or pay additional fees. The convenient online purchasing system allows fans to select their preferred seating locations based on an interactive seating chart of Harper Stadium.
For those requiring accessible seating options, ADA-compliant sections ensure that everyone can enjoy the rodeo experience comfortably. These specialized seating areas offer excellent views of the arena while accommodating mobility devices.
Planning Your Visit
Harper Stadium is conveniently located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, making it accessible for rodeo fans throughout the region. The venue offers ample parking for attendees, though arriving early is recommended, especially for weekend performances that typically draw the largest crowds.
Fort Smith offers a range of accommodation options for out-of-town visitors, from national hotel chains to charming local establishments. Many rodeo fans make a mini-vacation of their visit, exploring the rich history and attractions of Fort Smith before and after the rodeo performances.
The late May timing of the event typically brings pleasant weather to the Arkansas River Valley, though evening performances can sometimes cool down considerably. Experienced rodeo attendees often bring a light jacket even for late spring events.
Community Impact and Heritage
Beyond the thrilling competition, the Old Fort Days Rodeo serves as an economic engine for the Fort Smith community. The influx of competitors and spectators generates significant revenue for local businesses, from restaurants and hotels to retail establishments.
The event also honors the region's Western heritage, connecting modern audiences to the practical skills and values that helped shape this part of the country. For many local families, attending the rodeo represents a multi-generational tradition—grandparents who once competed themselves now bring grandchildren to experience the excitement and pageantry.
The rodeo organization also gives back to the community through various charitable initiatives and educational programs designed to preserve Western traditions and support youth involvement in rodeo sports.
A Showcase of Rodeo's Evolution
The prominent featuring of breakaway roping at the 2025 Old Fort Days Rodeo reflects the sport's ongoing evolution. While deeply rooted in tradition, professional rodeo continues to grow and adapt, embracing new events and welcoming diverse competitors while maintaining its core identity.
The rising prominence of women's events like breakaway roping represents one of the most significant developments in contemporary rodeo. These events showcase extraordinary female athletes who bring the same dedication, skill, and competitive spirit as their male counterparts, expanding rodeo's appeal to new audiences while honoring its traditional roots.
Mark Your Calendar
As May 26-31, 2025, approaches, anticipation will build for this showcase of rodeo excellence. Whether you're a dedicated rodeo fan who can distinguish a California roll from a Houlihan by sight or a curious newcomer eager to experience your first live rodeo, the Old Fort Days Rodeo promises an unforgettable experience.
The combination of world-class competition, Western heritage, family-friendly entertainment, and community spirit creates something truly special at Harper Stadium. And with breakaway roping in the spotlight, attendees will witness firsthand the event that's breathing new energy into professional rodeo.
When those tickets become available on March 26, securing your spot early is highly recommended. Then prepare yourself for six days of non-stop rodeo action where tradition meets competition, and the spirit of the American West comes alive in Fort Smith, Arkansas.