FWSSR 2021 Summer Newsletter

Like any professional sport, the rodeo community always looks for new ways to attract and excite fans and deliver new features. The move to Dickies Arena was a huge game changer for the Stock Show’s rodeo. There’s not another facility like it for rodeo in the world. Going forward, our goal is to ensure the “product” featured in the modern arena keeps fans engaged and assures a vibrant future for the Stock Show. “Any sport, these days, needs to be fast-paced and exciting and we’re always looking to make adjustments to accomplish that goal,” said Cal White, assistant operations manager at the Stock Show. “We believe our fans like our traditional atmosphere, but at the same time, want the vibe to be thrilling with an element of danger and suspense. So, we are offering something new to fit that bill.” For 2022, the Stock Show is introducing the Texas Champions Challenge presented by HOLT CAT. Originally planned to debut at the 2021 Stock Show, the Texas Champions Challenge was cancelled when all 2021 Stock Show activities were called off due to the Covid 19 pandemic shutdown. Considering that most of the nation’s largest indoor rodeos are held in Texas, it makes sense that the oldest and most prestigious – the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – should host the rodeo that crowns Texas champions. Thus, event winners from Houston, San Antonio, Austin, San Angelo and Fort Worth in bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and bull riding will be featured in Dickies Arena on January 20 to compete for the new, prestigious Texas Champions Challenge titles. In addition, rodeo management will work with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to select breakaway ropers to also compete in this increasingly popular event at the Texas Champions Challenge. BULLFIGHTING COMPETITION TO ENHANCE THE ‘CHALLENGE,’ FUN AND EXCITEMENT In addition, the Texas Champions Challenge will feature an extreme bullfighting contest. Head-to-head rounds will feature the best bullfighters from around the country who regularly ply their life-saving athleticism in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s and Professional Bull Riders’ ranks. Preliminary rounds will precede a final round where the new Texas Champions Challenge Bullfighting Champ will be crowned beginning in 2022. MUTTON BUSTERS TO COMPETE FOR OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP The 2022 Texas Champions Challenge will also showcase the Mutton Bustin’ winners from previous rodeo performances to determine an overall 2022 FWSSR Justin Mutton Bustin’ ® Champion. Prior to the Texas Champions Challenge, the Stock Show features the Justin Mutton Bustin’ at five specialty rodeo performances – Best of the West Ranch Rodeo (Jan. 14 and 15); Cowboys of Color Rodeo (Jan. 17); and Bulls’ Night Out PRCA Xtreme Bull Riding (Jan. 18 and 19). The winners from each specialty rodeo performance, will come back at the Texas Champions Challenge for a single round matchup for the chance to be crowned Champion Mutton Buster of the 2022 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. NEW SPECIALTY RODEO BEING PLANNED FOR 2022 FWSSR Texas Champions Challenge to Debut on January 20 6 challenge Presented by