Rodeo venues can be found all over the United States — from unexpected places like Sedalia, Missouri, to the "Official Rodeo of Texas" in Mesquite. A community’s local roots play a significant role in its rodeo success, something Mesquite knows all too well. See what Sports Destination Management had to say about our rodeo and arena below, or read about other destination in the full article linked below!
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Photo courtesy of Mesquite Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Mesquite, Texas In 1993, the governor of Texas declared Mesquite the official “Official Rodeo Capital of Texas,” thanks in large part to the
Mesquite Championship Rodeo Arena. Located 15 minutes east of downtown Dallas, the air-conditioned arena is home of the
Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which spans 13 consecutive Saturdays — typically from early June to late August — and offers such events as saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, tie-down roping and bull riding.
The arena opened in 1986 and is equipped with dozens of luxury suites, the 8-Second Club and BBQ Pavilion, high-definition videoboards and an entertainment area. In addition to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo series, the venue welcomes so-called “Hispanic rodeos,” including Jaripeos (a form of bull riding) and “Coleaderos” (steer trailing), according to Jessica McClellan, manager of the Mesquite Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Other recent events at the arena included the International Gay Rodeo Finals, the Cowboys of Color National Finals Rodeo and the inaugural Bull Ride Express. The Hip Hop Cowboy Spring Rodeo happens in March, and the venue also is available for private rodeos and other events.
“Our rodeo is more of a true Western style than something tourists might see somewhere else,” McClellan says. “Mesquite is a small town, and things here feel less planned or manufactured.”