24 Million Fans Can't be Wrong

The popularity of rodeo is strong and growing. There have been more sold-out shows this year than last year and according to an annual survey by the Sports Business Daily, out of 20 top sports, rodeo is ranked 7th for overall attendance.

This is a 5 percent increase from last year and 5 years ago rodeo wasn't even ranked among the top 20 in the annual survey. Only baseball, football, auto racing, horse racing, basketball and hockey beat rodeo in the standings.

The growth is no doubt due to the PRCA's agressive marketing of rodeo as the 'original extreme sport.'

Television coverage has also had an impact. Over 60 million people were estimated to have watched rodeo on television in 2003 (that is a 700 percent increase since 1997, WOW!) and it is no longer confined to those who admire a 'western' lifestyle. This kind of cross-over appeal is a great thing for rodeo. It is an appealing family-style of entertainment in an increasingly cynical and hostile world.

Furthermore, by all accounts, rodeo is expected to grow even more in the next year. This is some excellent news rodeo fans! The only downside is that NFR tickets will be even harder to get !!! Enjoy.