Economic Impact

Rodeo has become a big business! Each year International Professional Rodeo Association members spend more than $15 million dollars for food, lodging, travel, clothing, and equipment as they compete at rodeos all over the country.

In many towns, rodeo week is one of the busiest weeks of the year for local retailers. The boost in local retail sales during rodeo week stems partly from the greater number of people coming to town. These people buy food, many stay in local hotels or motels, and almost all purchase gas and personal items. Also, much of the cost of producing the rodeo is spent locally, on advertising, labor, printing, etc.

Local people also add to the boost in retail sales, since they often purchase western clothing, rodeo tickets and concession items.

As cowboys and cowgirls travel from rodeo to rodeo on the professional circuit, rodeo industry money is spread from coast to coast and border to border.