Slack Events
Reno Rodeo fans wait all year to witness the world’s top competitors vie for the coveted Silver Spurs in the evening performances – but a large chunk of the competition actually takes place during the day in qualifying rounds called “slack.” Watch hopeful cowboys and cowgirls compete in barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling to see who will be competing that evening – there are only 8–12 slots in each evening performance for each event, so the competition is fierce. Slack runs daily from Friday, June 16 through Friday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Outdoor Arena. Admission to watch these world-class rodeo athletes compete is completely free.
Championship Drill Team Competition
Poise, music and equestrian skill all come together during the championship drill team competition. The Reno Rodeo is proud to feature 10 teams who will perform their best synchronized horseback riding routine. Riding teams are judged on general impression, execution of the drill, performance of the horses, originality, crowd appeal and degree of difficulty. The glitz and glamor of this unique event rivals the spectacle of evening performances and is easily one of the most visually intriguing events of the rodeo. Don’t miss these talented groups performing – competition kicks off in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena on Thursday, June 15 at 8 a.m., and the championship competition begins on Friday, June 16 at 8 a.m. This dazzling event is free to the public.
“The Reno” Invitational Barrel Race
When it comes to crowd-pleasing rodeo events, nothing quite stacks up to barrel racing. Every night during the Reno Rodeo, WPRA cowgirls turn-and-burn for the fastest time on the cloverleaf pattern, but rodeo enthusiasts can enjoy even more barrel racing action at “The Reno” Invitational Barrel Race – an exclusive event featuring the top female competitors and their equine athletes. Fans can cheer on their favorite cowgirls in this fast and furious event for free at the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena on Saturday, June 17 at 8 a.m.
The Bob Tallman Invitational Team Roping
Named after the Hall of Fame Reno Rodeo announcer and Winnemucca native, The Bob Tallman Invitational Team Roping is the newest major open roping event on the planet. Fans can watch a truly limited, hand-picked roster of the industry’s most elite ropers compete for serious cash. The Bob Tallman Invitational will be held on Monday, June 19 at 9 a.m. in the Reno Sparks Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena. Admission is free.
#11.5 Reno Rodeo International Businessman’s Team Roping
Enjoy even more team roping action at this free event that kicks off on Tuesday, June 20 at 11 a.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.
#9.5 Reno High Roller Team Roping
Watch high caliber headers and heelers come together to compete for serious prize money. Enjoy free admission to this roping on Wednesday, June 21 at 8 a.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.
Reno All Girl Open Team Roping
This high-octane event features the talented cowgirls who make team roping look like a breeze. Catch all the action on Wednesday, June 21 at 11 a.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.
Reno Open Breakaway Roping
This speedy event is a fan favorite for a reason. Rapidly gaining popularity, the event looks much the same as tie down roping, but the rider neither dismounts nor ties the calf. The result is wicked fast roping that showcases a cowgirl’s horsemanship skills. Rodeo fans are sure to enjoy this free event on Wednesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.
Reno’s Richest Tie-Down Roping Open
Success in tie-down roping depends largely on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse as well as the luck of the draw – a feisty calf that runs fast or kicks hard can foil a roper’s finest effort. Watch top-tier tie-down ropers and their equine partners in this free event on Thursday, June 22 at 12 p.m. in the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.
