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In less than a fortnight, the highly anticipated semi-finals of RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo will kick off. The action begins on February 25 and will continue through to March 5.

Set against the backdrop of AT&T Stadium, The American Rodeo is scheduled for March 6-7. Similar to last year, all contenders who make it to the semi-finals will proudly wear a distinctive yellow armband.

This prestigious event boasts an impressive lineup of rodeo legends, each vying for the coveted $1 million prize. Among the contenders are renowned names like Will Lowe, Spencer Wright, Cort Scheer, Jess Lockwood, Levi Simpson, Brady Minor, Luke Branquinho, Tyson Durfey, JJ Hampton, and Amberleigh Moore. They will all have to earn their spot in their respective events through rigorous qualification processes.

Related: All of ProRodeo’s Top 10 in the World Have Accepted Their Invitations to The American Rodeo Finals at AT&T Stadium

All of the ProRodeo athletes who finished Top 10 in the 2020 PRCA and WPRA World Standings have accepted their invitations to compete at The American Rodeo, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, March 6-7, 2021.

“The American Rodeo is so much more than just a rodeo or a payday for cowboys,” said Randy Bernard, CEO of The American Rodeo. “The money is so substantial; I always like to say it’s where dreams come true. We have seen cowboys and cowgirls walk away with over $1 million in one day and that is what our sport should be about. The story lines, the drama, the passion…it all comes out in one weekend. It truly is an amazing event that I look forward to every year.”

The American Rodeo is known as the world’s richest weekend in western sports due to its tremendous prize offering of $2.3 million. Qualifying events are held across the country, throughout the calendar year, as ropers and riders hope to compete and make it to The American Rodeo Semi-Finals and Finals. The finals then bring the top athletes in the world and the underdogs who advance from The American Rodeo Semi-Finals together to battle for the biggest single, life-changing paycheck of their lives. The Top 10 in each event are invited to forgo the qualifiers and head straight to the finals at AT&T.

“The american is like no other,” said Shad Mayfield, Reigning Tie-Downing World Champion and 2020 American Champion. “It’s been an amazing feeling to get to compete at the highest level against the best for the highest amount of money and i’m looking forward to it this year.”

Here are the world’s top rodeo athletes who you will see take on the underdogs at The American Rodeo Finals.

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: BAREBACK RIDING

• Kaycee Field
• Tim O’Connell
• Jess Pope
• Tanner Aus
• Cole Reiner
• Orin Larsen
• Clayton Biglow
• Richmond Champion
• Leighton Berry (out with injuries)
• Mason Clements
• Tilden Hooper (in place of Leighton Berry)

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: STEER WRESTLING

• Jacob Edler
• Stetson Jorgenson
• Tyler Waguespack
• Matt Reeves
• Will Lummus
• Dakota Eldridge
• Jacob Talley
• Blake Knowles
• Bridger Anderson
• Jace Melvin

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: TEAM ROPING HEADERS

• Colby Lovell
• Luke Brown
• Erich Rogers
• Nelson Wyatt
• Andrew Ward
• Clay Smith
• Dustin Egusquiza
• Jeff Flenniken
• Clay Tryan
• Chad Masters

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: TEAM ROPING HEELERS

• Paul Eaves
• Paden Bray
• Joseph Harrison
• Levi Lord
• Buddy Hawkins
• Jade Corkill
• Tyler Worley
• Jake Long
• Travis Graves
• Wesley Thorp

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: SADDLE BRONC RIDING

• Ryder Wright
• Wyatt Casper
• Brody Cress
• Rusty Wright
• Allen Boore
• Left Holman
• Stetson Wright
• Chase Brooks
• Zeke Thurston
• Shorty Garrett

TOP 10 IN THE PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: TIE-DOWN ROPING

• Shad Mayfield
• Marty Yates
• Shane Hanchey
• Hunter Herrin
• Cory Solomon
• Westyn Hughes
• Haven Meged
• Tuf Cooper
• Ty Harris
• Ryan Jarrett

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 WPRA WORLD STANDINGS: BARREL RACING

• Hailey Kinsel
• Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi
• Jill Wilson
• Emily Miller
• Jimmie Smith
• Stevi Hillman
• Jessica Routier
• Lisa Lockhart
• Shelley Morgan
• Tiany Schuster

*Plus 2021 Exemption Invitee Dona Kay Rule

TOP 10 IN THE 2020 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS: BULL RIDING

• Stetson Wright
• Ty Wallace
• Colten Fritzlan
• Ky Hamilton
• Sage Kimzey
• Roscoe Jarboe
• Jeff Askey
• Dustin Boquet
• Brady Portenier
• Boudreaux Campbell

Barrel racer Hailey Kinsel holds four round records at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, has won the last two world titles and is coming into her fourth Finals No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings aboard DM Sissy Hayday “Sister,” the 2018 AQHA | PRCA Horse of the Year.

Suffice it to say, the Texas cowgirl has plenty of reasons to feel confident including making the fastest runs in NFR history for Round 1 (13.51 seconds in 2018), Round 3 (13.11 seconds in 2017), Round 9 (13.40 seconds in 2018) and Round 10 (13.17 seconds in 2017).

“I think I’ve always done well under pressure and love competing,” said Kinsel, 26.

The 62nd annual Wrangler NFR kicks off in 18 days, and the top ProRodeo athletes in the 2020 PRCA | RAM World Standings are eagerly awaiting their chance to win their share of the $10 million rodeo and possibly set a round record along the way.

Catch the NFR live streaming this year!

It’s a new ballgame for the Wrangler NFR since the competition has been moved to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

While a different, bigger arena with different configurations means past NFR records in timed events likely will remain untouched this year, the best rides and runs of the past remain a good measuring stick as the 120 best ProRodeo athletes kick up dust on a new batch of arena dirt.

“I know it’s a different place, but my horse loves big patterns just as much as small patterns, and I’m excited to go to a standard pattern,” Kinsel said. “We hold some arena records on standards around the country, but there are some unknowns so the first round will be a test for us as opposed to years past where we knew what to expect. I’m optimistic we will be at a good place and the ground will be good.”

The first round of the Wrangler NFR sets the pace for the 10-round competition, as evidenced by the rapid turnover in the first round’s barrel racing records.

In 2012, Mary Walker set the Round 1 record with her 13.75-second run. Five years later Nellie Miller broke Walker’s record in 13.64 seconds. Miller’s record stood for one year before Kinsel raised the bar with a 13.51-second run.

Kinsel went on to win Round 6 in 13.63 seconds, Round 7 in 13.61 seconds and Round 9 in 13.40 seconds.

All of her NFR round records were made with Sister as her mount. Sister, 9, has plenty of years of high-speed competition ahead of her.

“I’ve run her at almost every round at the Finals since I’ve been going, and the majority of my success has been on her,” Kinsel said. “She’s super athletic, has a big heart, just loves her job, and is always happy to get in the trailer and go to a barrel race. She always tries to do everything right but she has just enough of that edginess so that it’s not just right, but it’s fast, too.”

In 2018, Kinsel was the first one out in Round 1. Unlike other events at the NFR, barrel racers begin with the season leader.

“You’re kind of the test dummy in some ways and don’t know how the ground will be, so I just asked her to do her best and be safe,” Kinsel said. “Everyone hopes the first run is good since it sets the tone for the week, but it doesn’t definite it.”

Her record-setting Round 1 run certainly set the tone in 2018 as she clinched the world title during Round 9 and set a season-earnings record of $353,027.

These records, and the records for the other nine rounds, could be broken Dec. 3-12. Fans can check with ProRodeo.com for updates throughout the competition and watch the action unfold live on the PRCA on the Cowboy Channel Plus.

The NFR Round 1 records are:

Bareback Riding
91.5 points
Richmond Champion on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Night Crawler, 2019

Steer Wrestling
3.1 seconds
Trevor Knowles, 2013

Team Roping
4.0 seconds
Turtle Powell/Dakota Kirchenschlager, 2014
Tyler Wade/Cole Davison, 2019

Saddle Bronc Riding
89 points, Bryce Miller on Calgary Stampede’s Knife Money, 2008

Tie-down Roping
6.8 seconds, Trevor Brazile, 2015

Barrel Racing
13.51 seconds
Hailey Kinsel, 2018

Bull Riding
94 points, Don Gay on Billy Minnick Rodeo’s Tiger, 1974; and Blue Stone on Gilbert Diamond G Rodeos’ Mr. USA, 2001

Courtesy of PRCA

In order to reduce touch points between employees and guests at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field, Dec. 3-12, in Arlington, Texas, and in accordance with Globe Life Field protocols, no bags will be permitted except for those that are carried for medical reasons or manufactured diaper bags that accompany infants and young children. No outside food is permitted inside the ballpark. No bag storage is available at the ballpark!

https://prorodeo.com/documents/2020/11/2/BagFlyerFront20_TX_NOBAG.pdf

Courtesy of PRCA

If you’re not going to be at the Wrangler® National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this year, you can still be there! Globe Life Field (GLF) in Arlington, Texas, will play host to the most celebrated event on the rodeo calendar Dec. 3-12, 2020. Though not everyone will attend the NFR in person this year, they will be able to have their own personal 2D DoppelWrangler in their place!

Organizers are making it possible for fans to have a nearly life-size image seated for the rodeo and possibly even end up on TV! Now through Nov. 6, fans can order a 2D version of themselves (or a loved one) – known as DoppelWranglers – to be in attendance for the Wrangler NFR.

“We’re getting creative and this is going to be a fun way for fans to participate, even if they can’t be there in person,” said George Taylor, chief executive officer of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). “And we’re helping some very worthy causes at the same time.”

Other sporting events have used this approach to help fans to engage more deeply when they can’t attend in person. The PRCA and GLF are kicking it up a notch. Three different tiers of

DoppelWranglers can be purchased, with varying benefits at each level and with the proceeds going to fund four great charities.

• The Fan level DoppelWranglers will be placed randomly throughout the arena. This first option will sell for $100.
• The Cowboy DoppelWranglers will allow a cowboy hat to be worn in the image and will be placed randomly. This option is available for $125.
• The Gold Buckle DoppelWranglers may include a cowboy hat and will be placed in the most likely televised seating locations during the Wrangler NFR, which will air live on The Cowboy Channel. This option will be available for $200.

To reserve a DoppelWrangler for the 2020 Wrangler NFR, fans need to go to the same portal as for tickets at https://www.mlb.com/rangers/fans/national-finals-rodeo-fan-cutouts. DoppleWranglers must be ordered by Nov. 6, 2020. Proceeds from DoppelWrangler sales will benefit four nonprofit charities: Jr. Rodeo, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

“We are thankful that Rangers fans and NFR fans can join us at Globe Life Field in person and as DoppelWranglers,” said Neil Leibman, chief operating officer, Texas Rangers and chairman of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Board of Directors. “The funds raised from the sale of cutouts will make a significant impact on the communities the Rangers Foundation serves and on the work of the Jr. Rodeo, ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.”

Jr. Rodeo

The Jr. Rodeo Association is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s youth program. Jr. Rodeo promotes the best rodeo experiences and develops youth contestants. The association is built on three pillars of success: Education; Fundamental Skills; and Competition Platform. Jr. Rodeo is for youth, ages 8-19, who want to learn about rodeo through participation in Jr. Rodeo Camps, schools and events. Jr. Rodeo sanctions rodeos for qualification into the Cowboy Channel Jr. National Finals Rodeo. For more information and to join, visit www.jrrodeo.org.

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Recognizing that serious injuries can be traumatic enough without the additional burden of financial worries, the Justin Boot Company formed a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to establish the fund that provides need-based financial assistance to athletes injured through their participation in professional rodeo. For more information visit www.justincowboycrisisfund.org.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy provides education about rodeo, its history and impact on Western American culture. The Hall of Fame recognizes rodeo notables of the past and present and serves as an inspiration for the future. For more information visit www.prorodeohalloffame.com.

Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community – especially children, the military and first responders, and their familiars – through educational, health and athletic programming and partnerships that bring meaningful change to our communities. For more information visit www.mlb.com/rangers/community/foundation/landing.

FAQs

Q: Where will my DoppelWrangler sit?

A: DoppelWranglers will be placed throughout the arena. After DoppelWranglers are placed, you will receive an email directing you to a webpage where you can see which section your DoppelWrangler is sitting in.

Q: Can I choose my seat?

A: No, seat assignments are random. We will make our best effort to seat DoppelWranglers from the same order next to each other, but not guaranteed.

Q: How many can I purchase?

A: Each fan can purchase a maximum of 10 DoppelWranglers per transaction.

Q: How do I upload my photo?

A: You can upload your photo through the purchase form found at https://www.mlb.com/rangers/fans/national-finals-rodeo-fan-cutouts.

Q: Are there any restrictions?

A: Yes. The PRCA/Texas Rangers have the right to refuse any image that includes profanity, political messages, other sports or other teams. The image must be of you, and please do not upload an image of a celebrity. All cutouts will be made the same size and seating locations will be chosen at random.

Q: Can two people be in one photo?

A: We would prefer one person per photo. If there are two you’ll have to stand in front of each other – not next to each other – and someone may not be fully visible in the seat. Check out our photo guidelines https://www.mlb.com/rangers/fans/national-finals-rodeo-fan-cutouts.

Q: What’s the difference in base, cowboy hat and premium DoppelWranglers?

A: Base DoppelWranglers are those without cowboy hats in the image and will be placed randomly throughout the ballpark. The Cowboy hat option means a cowboy hat may be worn in the image and will be placed randomly throughout the ballpark. Premium DoppelWranglers may include a cowboy hat and will be placed in the most televised seating locations, but still at random in those sections.

Q: After the event, can I get my DoppelWrangler shipped to me?

A: DoppelWranglers will not be shipped because there is no guarantee on the condition following the 10-day Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Courtesy of PRCA