Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo: A Thrilling Tradition Returns to Hattiesburg

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association proudly presents one of the Southeast's most anticipated rodeo events of the new year

When the gates swing open at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center this January, the thundering hoofbeats and roaring crowds will signal the return of a beloved Mississippi tradition—the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo. Set for January 24-25, 2025, this PRCA-sanctioned event promises two unforgettable nights of world-class rodeo action that celebrates both athletic excellence and the rich heritage of the American West.

A Storied Tradition in the Heart of Mississippi

The Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo has established itself as a cornerstone event in Hattiesburg's cultural calendar, drawing competitors and spectators from across the Southeast. Proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola and supporting Southern Miss student organizations and scholarship funds, this rodeo represents the perfect marriage of collegiate spirit and western heritage.

As the winter chill settles over Mississippi, the heated competition inside the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center offers the perfect remedy. The arena will transform into a showcase of skill, courage, and western tradition as top PRCA talent converges on Hattiesburg to kick off the 2025 rodeo season in spectacular fashion.

Elite Competition on Display

The 2025 Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo will feature a full slate of PRCA-sanctioned events guaranteed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. With over $17,000 in prize money at stake, competitors will bring their absolute best to the arena floor.

Roughstock Events: The Ultimate Test of Will

The roughstock events represent rodeo at its most primal—a battle of wills between athlete and animal that lasts eight seconds but creates memories that endure for years.

Bareback Riding will showcase cowboys gripping nothing but a rigging as they match their strength and technique against some of the most powerful bucking horses in the country. Last year's champion scored an impressive 73 points on Harper & Morgan Rodeo Co's "Temptation," setting a high bar for 2025's competitors.

Saddle Bronc Riding, often called rodeo's classic event, combines raw power with elegant technique. The 2024 champion conquered Harper & Morgan Rodeo Co's "Tony Toe Tap" with a score of 72 points. Who will master the broncs in 2025?

Bull Riding serves as the grand finale each night—1,800 pounds of twisting, bucking fury beneath cowboys who risk it all for glory. Last year's champion conquered "Big John" with a score of 76 points, claiming over $2,000 in prize money as the only qualified ride of the weekend. The 2025 edition promises even more heart-stopping action.

Timed Events: Where Precision Meets Speed

The timed events showcase a different kind of rodeo excellence—the perfect blend of horsemanship, timing, and technique.

Steer Wrestling, often called the "big man's event," features cowboys leaping from horseback to wrestle a steer to the ground. The defending champion stopped the clock at an impressive 3.9 seconds last year, a time that will be difficult to beat.

Team Roping highlights the importance of partnership in western heritage, with headers and heelers working in perfect synchronization to rope a steer's horns and heels. The winning team in 2024 completed their run in just 5.7 seconds.

Tie-Down Roping tests a cowboy's ability to catch and tie a calf with both speed and gentleness. Last year's champion recorded a time of 10.2 seconds, demonstrating the perfect balance of aggression and precision.

Barrel Racing brings the cowgirls into the spotlight, as horse and rider navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at breakneck speed. The 2024 champion blazed through the pattern in just 15.64 seconds, setting a pace that will challenge all competitors in the upcoming event.

More Than Just Competition

While the competitive events form the heart of the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo, the experience extends far beyond the arena dirt. From the moment the grand entry begins, spectators will be immersed in a celebration of western heritage and entertainment.

The opening ceremony promises to be a patriotic spectacle, with the presentation of colors, the national anthem, and a celebration of American values that have always been central to rodeo culture. Throughout the performance, the arena will come alive with specialty acts that showcase the lighter side of western entertainment.

Between competitive events, fans will be treated to the antics of one of rodeo's premier barrel men, whose quick wit and daring stunts provide both comic relief and crucial protection for fallen cowboys. Skilled bullfighters will demonstrate their courage as they protect riders from danger, often putting themselves directly in harm's way.

The rodeo experience extends beyond the arena as well. The concourse of the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center will host vendors offering everything from authentic western wear and gear to delicious food options. Young fans can enjoy special activities designed to introduce them to rodeo traditions in a fun, accessible way.

A Community Celebration

The Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo represents more than just a sporting event—it's a celebration that brings the entire community together. Local businesses throughout Hattiesburg experience a welcome boost as visitors fill hotels, restaurants, and shops during rodeo weekend.

The event also provides valuable support for Southern Miss student organizations and scholarship funds, creating a direct positive impact on educational opportunities in the region. This partnership between the PRCA, Coca-Cola, and Southern Miss exemplifies how traditional western values can support modern educational goals.

Securing Your Spot at the Rodeo

With the caliber of competition and entertainment on offer, the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo consistently draws enthusiastic crowds. Tickets for this popular event will go on sale in late November 2024, approximately two months before the rodeo.

Spectators will have several seating options to choose from, including reserved seating that guarantees prime viewing positions and general admission options. Special accommodations are available for those with accessibility needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rodeo experience comfortably.

For those planning to attend with family or large groups, special package options will make the experience even more convenient and enjoyable. Southern Miss students can look forward to special discounted rates with valid student identification.

Tickets will be available for purchase directly through this website when they go on sale. Mark your calendars for late November to secure your seats for what promises to be one of the most exciting rodeo events of 2025.

The Legacy Continues

As the dust settles on each performance of the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo, spectators leave with more than just memories of thrilling rides and lightning-fast runs. They carry with them a connection to an authentic American tradition that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

The cowboys and cowgirls who compete bring the same spirit of determination, grit, and sportsmanship that has defined rodeo for generations. Many competitors use early-season events like the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo as stepping stones toward qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where the sport's world champions are crowned.

For the stock contractors, the event represents an opportunity to showcase their carefully bred and trained animal athletes. The bucking horses and bulls are as much the stars of the show as the human competitors, with top animals developing reputations and followings of their own among knowledgeable rodeo fans.

Join the Tradition This January

When the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo returns to the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center on January 24-25, 2025, it will continue a tradition that bridges generations and brings the excitement of professional rodeo to Hattiesburg. Whether you're a longtime rodeo enthusiast who can distinguish a good spur ride from fifty yards away or a first-time attendee curious about this uniquely American sport, you'll find something to appreciate in the skill, courage, and tradition on display.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association invites you to experience the thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, and the timeless drama of man versus beast that has made rodeo an enduring part of American culture. Make plans now to be part of this celebration of western heritage and athletic excellence.

The Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo—where tradition rides again in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.