This marks the first year Will Rogers Stampede has been nominated for PRCA Medium Rodeo of the Year, following an unprecedented six years as the PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year.

Held over Memorial Day weekend, the Will Rogers Stampede celebrated 76 years in 2022 and is the third-longest running event in Rogers County. Other rodeo city finalists included Amarillo, TX; Belle Fourche, S.D; Coleman, TX; and Gunnison, CO.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as a top-five finalist, especially as a first-time nominee in this new category,” said David Petty, Rodeo Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Rodeo Arena Cooperative. “Being acknowledged by both contestants and rodeo peers is a great source of pride for both Claremore and our state.”

Drawing 745 contestants and an estimated 15,000 spectators, the rodeo was held May 26-29, 2022, at Stampede Park at 13601 E 480 Rd. in Claremore, OK. Rodeo celebrations included a charity golf tournament, food truck event, steer roping, mutton bustin’ and live concerts.

“The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is a truly unique experience, complete with a family-friendly culture and a dynamic history that showcases all that Claremore has to offer,” said Tanya Andrews, Director of Visit Claremore. “Claremore is proud to host contestants from all over the U.S., and we are grateful for the community support and dedicated committee and volunteers.”

The City of Claremore, Rogers County Board of County Commissioners and the Will Rogers Round Up Club, with the support of local donors, have made significant infrastructure improvements to the rodeo grounds over the past several years, including investments in new lighting, seating, parking, roads and rodeo structures.

“Our contestant hospitality and community support is second-to-none and we should all be proud of the improvements taking place at the new Stampede arena,” added Petty.

About the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo

Started in 1946, the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo joined the PRCA in 1947.  The rodeo is a partnership of the City of Claremore, the Board of County Commissioners for Rogers County and the Will Rogers Round Up Club.  More information is available at willrogersstampede.com.

About Visit Claremore

Claremore, nestled in the heart of northeast Oklahoma and close to Tulsa, is located on historic Route 66 and home to world-class museums, diverse attractions, a thriving historic downtown district and unique local shopping and eateries. Learn more at visitclaremore.com.