Sioux City Stampede: Where Tradition Meets Championship Rodeo Action

The heart of the Midwest will thunder with hoofbeats and roar with excitement when the Sioux City Stampede returns to Iowa this February

When winter grips the Midwest, most folks hunker down and wait for spring. But in Sioux City, Iowa, mid-February brings a different kind of heat as the Sioux City Stampede transforms the Tyson Events Center into an arena of grit, glory, and western heritage. Mark your calendars for February 14-15, 2025, when this PRCA-sanctioned event returns for two action-packed days of world-class rodeo competition.

A Valentine's Weekend Filled with Heart-Pounding Action

There's something poetically fitting about the Sioux City Stampede falling on Valentine's weekend. For rodeo enthusiasts, there's no better expression of love than witnessing the raw passion and dedication displayed by both athletes and animals in the arena. The Stampede has become a beloved tradition in Sioux City, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to celebrate the timeless spirit of the American West.

The Tyson Events Center will once again serve as the perfect backdrop for this showcase of western sports excellence. Its state-of-the-art facilities provide an intimate setting where every seat offers spectacular views of the action, allowing fans to feel the thunder of hooves and witness the intensity of each competition up close.

Championship Caliber Competition

The Sioux City Stampede isn't just any rodeo—it's a proving ground where champions are made and legends begin. With over $42,000 in prize money at stake, the event attracts elite competitors from across the country, all vying for victory and valuable points toward National Finals Rodeo qualification.

Last year's Stampede showcased exactly why this event has earned its reputation for excellence. The bareback riding saw a thrilling tie for first place with spectacular 82-point rides, while the saddle bronc competition featured an outstanding 83-point winning ride that brought the crowd to its feet. The bull riding champion conquered one of Bailey Pro Rodeo's most formidable bulls, Drunkin Ninja, with an impressive 85-point ride that demonstrated the perfect balance of control and chaos that defines this dangerous sport.

For 2025, the Stampede promises even more spectacular moments as Bailey Pro Rodeo returns with their outstanding stock. Known for bringing some of the most athletic and challenging animals in the business, their bulls and broncs consistently give cowboys the opportunity to post winning scores—if they can stay aboard for the required eight seconds.

A Full Slate of Rodeo Action

The Sioux City Stampede features all seven traditional PRCA events, offering something for every rodeo fan:

Roughstock Events:

• Bareback Riding: Watch as cowboys grip nothing but a rigging as they match wits and strength with bucking horses bred to unseat them.
• Saddle Bronc Riding: Often called rodeo's classic event, this display of technical skill and rhythm showcases the original cowboy contest.
• Bull Riding: The most dangerous eight seconds in sports caps each performance as 150-pound cowboys challenge 2,000-pound bulls in a battle of wills.

Timed Events:

• Steer Wrestling: Witness the incredible athleticism as cowboys leap from horseback to wrestle a running steer to the ground in mere seconds.
• Team Roping: The only true team event in rodeo requires perfect coordination between header and heeler to capture a steer in the shortest time possible.
• Tie-Down Roping: A test of speed, skill and cowboy know-how that demonstrates the practical ranching skills still used today.
• Barrel Racing: Female athletes and their equine partners navigate a cloverleaf pattern at breakneck speeds where thousandths of a second can separate champions from the pack.

More Than Just Competition

While championship rodeo action takes center stage, the Sioux City Stampede offers a complete western experience that goes beyond the competition.

Fans will be treated to the comedic antics of professional rodeo clowns who provide both entertainment and crucial protection for fallen cowboys. The event's professional announcer keeps the energy high throughout each performance, educating newcomers while entertaining seasoned rodeo fans with insightful commentary and western humor.

The Stampede experience extends beyond the arena floor with a festive atmosphere throughout the Tyson Events Center. Vendors offer authentic western merchandise, giving fans the opportunity to take home a piece of the rodeo experience. Food and beverage options capture the flavors of the West, ensuring no one goes hungry while enjoying the action.

A Community Celebration

The Sioux City Stampede isn't just a sporting event—it's a celebration of western heritage that brings the entire community together. Local businesses partner with the rodeo to create an economic boost during the traditionally slower winter months, while the event itself serves as a cultural touchstone that connects generations of Iowans to their agricultural roots.

For many families, attending the Stampede has become a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Grandparents who once competed themselves now bring grandchildren to experience the same thrills that captured their imaginations decades ago. The rodeo serves as a living museum of western skills and traditions, preserving a way of life while adapting to modern times.

Securing Your Spot at the Stampede

With the growing popularity of the Sioux City Stampede, securing tickets early is highly recommended. Tickets for the 2025 event will go on sale in mid-December 2024, available for purchase directly through this website when they become available.

The Tyson Events Center offers various seating options to accommodate different preferences and budgets. From general admission seating to premium reserved sections that put you right on top of the action, there's a perfect vantage point for every fan. Special VIP packages will also be available for those seeking an enhanced rodeo experience.

Group rates make the Stampede an ideal outing for organizations, businesses, or large families, while discounts for children and seniors ensure the event remains accessible to fans of all ages. Military appreciation programs honor those who serve with special recognition during the performances.

For those planning to attend with accessibility needs, the Tyson Events Center is fully ADA compliant with designated seating areas and accommodations to ensure everyone can enjoy the rodeo comfortably.

Plan Your Rodeo Weekend

The Sioux City Stampede makes for a perfect weekend getaway during the heart of winter. With two performances—Friday evening and Saturday evening—visitors can make the most of their time in Sioux City by exploring local attractions between rodeo sessions.

The Tyson Events Center's central location provides easy access to downtown Sioux City's restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Ample parking surrounds the venue, making arrival and departure convenient for all attendees.

For those traveling from out of town, numerous accommodation options are available within a short distance of the arena, from budget-friendly motels to full-service hotels. Many offer special rates for rodeo attendees, making a weekend stay both convenient and affordable.

Join the Stampede

As February approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be another spectacular edition of the Sioux City Stampede. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or curious to experience your first bucking bronc, this PRCA-sanctioned event delivers authentic western action that connects us to America's frontier spirit.

The combination of world-class competition, family-friendly entertainment, and rich cultural tradition makes the Sioux City Stampede more than just a sporting event—it's a celebration of the enduring values and skills that built the American West.

When the chute gates swing open this Valentine's weekend, be there to witness the heart, determination, and courage that define both the cowboys and cowgirls who compete and the magnificent animals that challenge them. The Sioux City Stampede isn't just a rodeo; it's a testament to the spirit that continues to define the American West.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this thrilling tradition. When tickets become available in December, secure your seats for what promises to be two unforgettable nights of championship rodeo action at the 2025 Sioux City Stampede.