The Annual Durant Round Up Club Rodeo makes its return to town this weekend for its 84th season and fifth year on the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Prairie Circuit that culminates with the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
According to organizers, last year’s Durant event included more world championship qualifiers than nearly any other PRCA rodeo on the circuit with many expected to be returning this weekend with over $27,000 already slated in added money on the line.
Action is slated to commence at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night at the Riding Club Arena on South 9th Avenue.
“We love coming to Durant every year,” said long-time rodeo announcer and event spokesperson West Huggins. “They have great people at Durant, and we always look forward to this stop on the circuit. We travel all over the country and its pretty phenomenal to see a rodeo continuing to make improvements every year like they are doing in Durant.
“I know Riding Club president Eric Loftis is thrilled about the new arena lights that they have been able to get installed. That is a major feat when you are trying to light up a full rodeo arena, but they have gotten great support in funding it.”
Last year the rodeo had a record number of participants and that number could be exceeded, especially in the featured bull riding with more than $6000 in added money alone thanks largely to the Lane Frost Brand. More than 50 bull riders were registered during the early period.
“The PRCA road to Las Vegas and the National Finals definitely goes through Durant,” Huggins said. “They have increased money payouts each year thanks to more sponsor money, which ultimately goes into the purse. When you look at a rodeo that has returning major sponsors like they have in Durant, you know you are doing something right.
“Contestants look and see what rodeos have the most added money and that’s where they normally go because they want to get more bang for the buck. I applaud Durant for taking that step and in my opinion, they are increasing the ticket value with it.”
Tickets for the event are $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-12. Children under five get in free. Advanced reducedprice tickets are available at Dennards Western Wear in Sherman, Kopper Kettle, Durant Chamber of Commerce and Western Edge in Durant or by going to www.durantrodeo. com.