Ram Trucks Rodeo: Bringing World-Class Rodeo Action to Shakopee
When the summer heat rises across Minnesota, so does the excitement for one of the region's premier rodeo events. The Ram Trucks Rodeo will thunder into Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota from July 18-20, 2025, bringing with it the dust, drama, and daring that have made rodeo an enduring American tradition.
A Celebration of Western Heritage
The Ram Trucks Rodeo isn't just a competition—it's a celebration of America's western heritage and the values of hard work, determination, and community that continue to define rodeo culture. As a sanctioned Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, this three-day spectacle promises to deliver world-class competition featuring some of the sport's most talented athletes, both human and animal.
"This rodeo has become a cornerstone event for our Great Lakes Circuit," notes a PRCA representative. "The combination of top-tier competition, family-friendly entertainment, and the incredible venue at Canterbury Park creates an atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of professional rodeo."
With Ram Trucks as the title sponsor, this event exemplifies the natural partnership between the rugged dependability of Ram vehicles and the grit and determination displayed in the rodeo arena. This sponsorship helps ensure that the Ram Trucks Rodeo can offer a substantial $42,500 purse, attracting competitors from across the country.
World-Class Competition
Fans can expect a full slate of traditional rodeo events that will test the skill, courage, and precision of the competitors. The Ram Trucks Rodeo will feature all seven of rodeo's classic contests:
Roughstock Events
Bull Riding – Often called the "most dangerous eight seconds in sports," bull riding pits cowboy against bovine in a battle of wills. Competitors must stay aboard a bucking bull for eight seconds using only one hand on a flat braided rope. Points are awarded based on the rider's control and the bull's performance.
Saddle Bronc Riding – Considered rodeo's classic event, saddle bronc riding evolved directly from the task of breaking wild horses for ranch work. Riders must maintain proper form while synchronizing their movements with the horse's powerful bucking.
Bareback Riding – Perhaps the most physically demanding event, bareback riders endure tremendous punishment as they grip a simple handhold while their bodies whip back and forth atop a bucking horse. Success requires both raw strength and refined technique.
Timed Events
Steer Wrestling – Also known as "bulldogging," this event showcases pure athletic power as competitors leap from horseback onto a running steer, using strength and leverage to bring the animal to the ground.
Team Roping – The only true team event in rodeo pairs a "header" (who ropes the steer's horns) with a "heeler" (who ropes the hind legs). This event highlights the precision teamwork that was essential in traditional ranch operations.
Tie-Down Roping – Combining horsemanship, speed, and precision, competitors must rope a calf, dismount, and tie three of the animal's legs together in the shortest possible time.
Barrel Racing – Showcasing the partnership between rider and horse, this event features competitors racing against the clock in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, where every hundredth of a second counts.
The Ram Trucks Rodeo is part of the PRCA's Great Lakes Circuit, giving regional competitors a chance to earn points toward circuit finals and potentially qualify for national championships. While the competitor list won't be finalized until closer to the event, fans can expect to see a mix of established rodeo stars and up-and-coming talent all vying for their share of the substantial prize money.
More Than Just Competition
While the rodeo action forms the heart of the event, the Ram Trucks Rodeo offers a complete western experience that extends far beyond the competitive events.
"We've designed this rodeo to be an immersive experience," explains an event organizer. "Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or attending your first event, there's something here for everyone."
Attendees can arrive early each day to enjoy a variety of pre-rodeo activities. The grounds will feature vendor booths showcasing western apparel, handcrafted goods, and unique souvenirs. Food vendors will offer everything from traditional fair favorites to authentic western cuisine, ensuring no one goes hungry.
For families with young children, the Ram Trucks Rodeo includes kid-friendly activities like face painting, mechanical bull rides adjusted for younger riders, and interactive educational displays about rodeo and western heritage. These activities provide a perfect introduction to rodeo culture for the next generation of fans.
The main performances will include professional entertainment that goes beyond the competitive events. Spectators can expect skilled rodeo clowns who combine comedy with the crucial role of protecting fallen riders, specialty acts that showcase impressive horsemanship, and patriotic tributes that have become a beloved rodeo tradition.
After the final event each evening, the excitement continues with live music performances featuring regional country and western artists. Saturday night will culminate in a special concert (artist to be announced) followed by a western dance under the Minnesota summer sky.
Securing Your Spot at the Ram Trucks Rodeo
With the combination of world-class competition, family entertainment, and the event's growing popularity, securing tickets early is highly recommended. Tickets for the 2025 Ram Trucks Rodeo will go on sale beginning May 18, 2025, approximately two months before the event.
Several ticket options will be available to accommodate different preferences and budgets:
General Admission seating provides access to designated sections on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserved Seating guarantees specific seats for those who prefer to select their exact viewing location.
VIP Packages include premium seating, early entry, exclusive access to hospitality areas, and commemorative merchandise.
Family Packages offer bundled tickets at special rates for parents attending with children.
Group Discounts are available for parties of 10 or more, making the Ram Trucks Rodeo an ideal outing for community organizations, businesses, or extended families.
Special promotions will be offered for early purchasers, military personnel, first responders, and seniors. Accessibility seating is available in all sections to ensure the rodeo can be enjoyed by everyone.
Tickets will be available for purchase directly through this website when sales begin. Online purchasing is recommended for the best selection and convenience, as certain sections and special packages may sell out quickly.
For those planning to attend multiple days of the event, multi-day passes offer the most economical option while ensuring you don't miss any of the action. Each day features a complete rodeo performance with all seven events, though the competitors and animal athletes will vary.
The Perfect Venue
Canterbury Park provides an ideal setting for the Ram Trucks Rodeo, combining excellent facilities with convenient access. Located in Shakopee, just southwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the venue offers ample parking and is easily accessible from major highways.
The facility's configuration ensures excellent sightlines from all seating areas, allowing spectators to feel close to the action regardless of ticket type. Modern amenities throughout the venue include accessible restrooms, diverse food and beverage options, and comfortable seating.
For those traveling from out of town, Shakopee and the surrounding communities offer numerous accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly motels to full-service hotels. The area also features various attractions that can extend your western weekend into a more comprehensive vacation, including Valleyfair amusement park, Mystic Lake Casino, and the charming historic downtown Shakopee.
Community Impact
Beyond providing entertainment, the Ram Trucks Rodeo makes significant contributions to the local community. The event brings thousands of visitors to Shakopee, generating substantial economic activity for local businesses including restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments.
Additionally, the rodeo serves as a platform for highlighting and preserving western heritage and values. Educational components throughout the event help new generations understand and appreciate the historical significance of rodeo and its connection to America's agricultural traditions.
Join the Tradition
Whether you're a dedicated rodeo enthusiast who can distinguish a good bronc ride from a great one or someone curious to experience this uniquely American sport for the first time, the Ram Trucks Rodeo promises an unforgettable experience.
Mark your calendars for July 18-20, 2025, and prepare to witness the perfect blend of athletic competition, western heritage, and family entertainment. From the heart-stopping action of bull riding to the precision of barrel racing, from the pre-rodeo festivities to the post-event concerts, the Ram Trucks Rodeo represents rodeo at its finest.
When tickets become available on May 18, 2025, be ready to secure your place at one of Minnesota's premier summer events. The dust will fly, the crowds will cheer, and memories will be made at the 2025 Ram Trucks Rodeo.