Update: ProRodeo Returns To Competition, 2020 Wrangler NFR, “Kick Open the Chutes” PRCA Incentive

ProRodeo is targeting Memorial Day weekend for a return to competition

“We’re really hopeful Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25) that we can get something started. We’re working very closely right now with Fort Smith (Ark.) and the local officials there in order to have a rodeo. Whether that means it is a fan-less event or reduced occupancy style of event, that’s really our direction and what we are going to try to pull off because we do need to get the rodeo engine going and have everybody in these communities see some encouraging things. We are really excited about the potential of starting that on Memorial Day weekend.”

The “Kick Open the Chutes” PRCA incentive plan

Taylor discussed the “Kick Open the Chutes” PRCA incentive plan, partnering with PRCA rodeo committees to help initiate rodeo competition, helping committees, PRCA members, their communities, and charities.

“What we are going to do as the PRCA is we’re looking to partner with PRCA rodeo committees to begin to understand what they can do to just say, ‘Yes.’ … These are challenging times. How can we supplement some of the things the local committees are trying to do, whether they have lost sponsors, their gate might be reduced substantially, or maybe we are just helping to try and give them a backstop of some additional funds.

The PRCA wants all our committees and communities to know that we are very flexible, that we work with them on the format, the number of days, but we really want to get going and create some good for all of our membership, for the committees and the communities they serve, as well as their charities. We are starting out looking through June initially just to provide some incentive and some additional stimulus to get rodeo going.”

The 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Dec. 3-12.

“We’re really working on what’s the format going to be in terms of additional entertainment we might have and how do we make this NFR even better than the last one. We’re beginning to have some of those discussions now and (are) working with them. Obviously, it’s really critical for Las Vegas to open back up. We’re hearing some rumors that in May, early June, we will start to see some of the casinos open again. We can just hope and pray that there’s no additional spikes of activity relative to the virus and that we can get that planned and have our season and have that crowning of our world champions on our normal schedule.”

The Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) encourages members to apply with new stimulus money available

“The President just signed nearly another $500 billion into stimulus that will help fund that. Our membership, much of it, is eligible for those types of forgivable loans as they go forward. So, we’re really wanting to make sure that our members are utilizing those things and pursuing them. The money had run out, but now it has been replenished, and we need to act fast and keep everybody with money and food on the table, if you will.”

For more ProRodeo updates, visit The Cowboy Channel and ProRodeo.