Wrangler FAQs

Wrangler Volunteer FAQs

What’s a Wrangler vs. Member?
Wranglers are any volunteers who aren’t members of the Reno Rodeo Association. Generally, Wranglers have volunteered less than two rodeo years, but some have volunteered for many years. Members do the same work, but also pay annual dues and have certain privileges, along with a commitment to volunteer at least 32 hours annually. A Wrangler wishing to become a Member must work a minimum of 32 hours, two or more consecutive rodeo years and have a nomination by a Member and Committee Chair.

What are the benefits to becoming a Wrangler?
Please visit the Wrangler Benefits page for these benefits.

What are the Four Corners Committees?
At the heart of the Reno Rodeo, four powerhouse committees—Admissions, Public Parking, Stalls, and Contestant Parking—form what’s known as the “Four Corners.” These mission-critical teams serve as the first and often most lasting impression for rodeo guests and contestants.

Admissions Committee
Committee is responsible for verifying badges and scanning tickets to greet each guest to the rodeo ground. During the course of any given night, committee members work with Public Parking, Ticket Sales, Security, Law Enforcement, Medical, and the Count Room. This committee is open to all new wranglers.

Contestant Parking
Committee facilitates contestant parking activities during rodeo week. This committee is open to all new wranglers with three-shift operations available.

Public Parking
Committee facilitates public parking before and during each rodeo performance. During the course of any given night, committee members work with Admissions, Security, and Law Enforcement. This committee is open to all new wranglers with multiple shift operation available throughout day.

Stalls
Committee manages all requirements for the RR “horse hotel” as the concierge service for equine athletes. This committee is open to all new wranglers with multiple shift operation available throughout day.

What do I wear as a Wrangler to Rodeo events & theme nights?
The Do’s:

The basics of western wear for men and women include: Boots, denim jeans, button-down long-sleeve shirts, and cowboy hats.

There are lots of places to find Western shirts besides the rodeo. Examples are D Bar M Western Store, Boot Barn, CAL Ranch, Big R, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, and Goodwill and Thrift Stores. You do not have to worry about having a particular outfit for every theme night, we certainly don’t expect you to go out and buy an entire wardrobe for your volunteer job! In general, look for lightweight, cotton or cotton blends and light color fabrics to help stay cool in the sun. Straw hats are less expensive and lighter weight than felt and are a superior choice for rodeo. Think about buying ones with lots of vents cut out to keep cooler. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, too, some nights, you might want a vest, light jacket, or even rainwear.

Wrangler’s Closet is also a free rodeo attire exchange area where you can either purchase or obtain rodeo attire for free (although sizes are limited).

The Don’ts:
Don’t wear shorts, T-shirts, or Polos, even with ‘Western’ or Rodeo themes. This is a PRCA rule and RRA policy.

No open-toe shoes or flip-flops are allowed for safety, and theme nights are for fun!

How do I get to the Reno Rodeo?
Please visit the Reno Rodeo Parking page for more information on directions to rodeo ground, parking options, and shuttle services.

Where do I park during Rodeo as a Wrangler?
Parking is always scarce; the later you arrive, the more difficult it becomes. Volunteers can park on the street or in designated areas of the county administration lot.

If you have a handicap placard or plate, you may prefer to park in the main public parking lot.

Please note: If you choose to park on the grounds, you may be charged for parking. This will usually depend on what time you arrive. If you tell the parking volunteers that you have a placard, work on Admissions, and show your ID badge, they MAY not charge you. This is at their discretion and based on availability. Please remember to be respectful, they are volunteers just like you! It’s easiest for most people to access the parking areas and grounds by heading westbound on Oddie Blvd since it temporarily becomes one-way through Wells Ave, and there is no Northbound traffic on Wells.

There is also a shuttle bus that runs from the GSR to the grounds every night.

What can I bring into the Reno Rodeo?
Please visit the Reno Rodeo Items Not Allowed page and the Clear Bag Policy FAQs page for general admission and ticket holding guests. Special considerations and exceptions to these policies apply to vendor and volunteers for day of rodeo activities. Please contact your assigned committee Chair for specific details pertaining to your role.

How many committees are there in Reno Rodeo?
Around 65. There’s a committee for everything from Parking to Drill Team to Contestant Hospitality. Some committees are only 3 or 4 members, some have over 80. Everyone is a volunteer, and many are on two or more committees!

How many volunteers are there?
Each year the number varies as people leave and join, but it’s around 1200 total.

How do I learn about other committees and volunteer opportunities?
When you submit your volunteer application, you’ll be assigned to a primary committee. During your first year or two, you’ll spend most of your time volunteering within that primary assignment—typically one of the Four Corners Committees: Admissions, Stalls, Contestant Parking, or Public Parking.

After the current Rodeo season, you’re welcome to request a committee change or addition by contacting the Manpower Committee.

You’re also encouraged to help other committees during the Rodeo, as long as it doesn’t conflict with your primary responsibilities. If you’re assigned to two committees, please plan to spend at least half your time with your primary one.

Have a special skill you’d like to put to good use—like EMT/medical training, teaching, or law enforcement experience? Let the Manpower Committee know!

How is the whole Reno Rodeo Structured?
The Reno Rodeo operates under a well-organized leadership structure that supports its status as one of the top professional rodeos in the country. Here’s an overview of how the organizational hierarchy is typically structured, from general management to volunteers:

Reno Rodeo Association (RRA) – General Governance

Board of Directors (BOD): The primary governing body. The Board sets strategic direction, approves budgets, and ensures the rodeo maintains its mission and values. Board members are typically elected and serve staggered terms.
Executive Committee (EC): A subset of the BOD that includes officers like the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Past President. This committee handles high-level decision-making and urgent matters between board meetings.

Management & Operations

General Manager (GM): Oversees the day-to-day operations and business affairs of the Reno Rodeo. Reports to the Board of Directors and coordinates with staff, committees, sponsors, vendors, and key stakeholders.
Administrative Staff: This includes marketing, finance, sponsorships, event coordination, ticketing, and other operational roles. These are year-round employees or contracted personnel who support the rodeo and associated events.

Committees & Volunteers

Committee Chair(s): Volunteer leaders who plan, organize, and oversee committee activities. They report to the Executive Committee or GM.
Vice Chairs / Leads: Assist the Chair and often step into leadership the following year as part of succession planning.
Volunteers: General members who carry out tasks and support events – Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Reno Rodeo. As experience grows, volunteers may take on dual committee roles, leadership paths, or more specialized assignments.

Reno Rodeo Foundation
While separate, the Foundation functions as a non-profit that helps by aiding children with extraordinary needs, building community partnerships, providing grants and scholarships in Northern Nevada. The Foundation collaborates closely with the Reno Rodeo Association and is supported by the efforts of volunteers. The Foundation has its own Board of Trustees and administrative structure, and focuses on:

Scholarships
Community outreach
Special Kids Rodeo
Denim Drive

Is Rodeo a sport?
Yes, and it’s the fastest-growing professional sport in popularity nationwide! That includes events like PBR (Professional Bull Riders), Bullfighters Unlimited, various Roping and Team Roping events, and more. The governing body for rodeo is called the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), and it sets rules for competition, membership, animal welfare, and more. PRCA contestants are among the world’s finest and most skilled riders and livestock handlers, with over 7,000 members in various countries. You’ll see contestants from as far away as Australia & New Zealand in Reno!

Where do all these animals come from?
The livestock come from all over the US, mainly Western States. Multiple livestock providers specialize in one category (like bulls), and others supply several different types. The livestock are very much athletes, just like the competitors. Many come from long-breeding bloodlines and are valued at tens of thousands of dollars (and more). Certain contestants (like ropers) bring their saddle horses. We have an entire Veterinary staff of Doctors, Technicians, and Animal Welfare Specialists to ensure that the animals are cared for in the best possible manner and that the USDA regulates animal care!

What about this arena?
The Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center (RSLEC) covers 43 acres of land. Our large outdoor Rodeo arena seats 9,500 people, and the large indoor arena seats approx 6,200 people. The small indoor arena (sometimes called the “old building” or “livestock pavilion”) has seating for approx 1,000. We have over 650 permanent livestock stalls in covered barns with rubber or dirt floors, plus a 20,000 sq ft covered dirt arena for practice. The entire facility is owned by the State of Nevada and managed year-round by the RSLEC staff. The Reno Rodeo also has its year-round office on the property’s southwest corner.

What is the carnival and who are the vendors?
The carnival and vendors (food, beverage, and merchandise) are all independent companies with their staff. Most are simply renting space. The Reno Rodeo Association has limited oversight, but if you encounter a problem or concern with a carnival or vendor employee, notify your committee chair for assistance. Reno Rodeo’s official merchandise is sold only by the association through the Specialty Sales Committee. The main store is located under Grandstand 5 and has all sorts of logo shirts and items.