Legislators Praise National Jr./High School Rodeos Coming to Lazy E
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, and Sens. Grant Green, R-Wellston, Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today expressed excitement over the cities of Edmond and Guthrie partnering to bring the National Junior High Finals Rodeo and the National High School Finals Rodeo to the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. Organizers say this establishes central Oklahoma as "the youth rodeo capitol of the world." "This is not only great news for the cities of Guthrie and Edmond," Duel said, "but it elevates Oklahoma on yet another national platform. Oklahoma already consistently ranks as one of the best places to live because of our low cost of living, our growing job market and many other factors. These events will bring more visitors to our state to enjoy our hospitality and to see all that we have to offer." Hall added, “This is a big deal for Guthrie, Edmond and the state as a whole because it will bring millions of dollars in new economic activity to Oklahoma,” Hall said. “Competitors and their families will stay in local hotels, dine at nearby restaurants and support our small businesses. I can't wait for these visitors to see what makes Oklahoma such a great state.” Green said, “Oklahoma has become an undisputed leader in youth agriculture, ranching and rodeo events. These competitions teach the next generation about farming and ranching while inspiring young people from Oklahoma and across the country to pursue careers in agriculture. Bringing these premier national rodeos to the heart of America will put Oklahoma in the national spotlight and provide a major economic boost to local cities.” Thompson added, “This is a big win for the entire state, especially Edmond and central Oklahoma. We’re talking about thousands of visitors coming to Oklahoma year after year to compete in these massive rodeos. They will book local lodging and spend money at local businesses. The long-term economic impact of these events on our statewide economy cannot be understated. These rodeos will also be a boon for Edmond for decades to come.” The lawmakers were part of an Oklahoma coalition of elected and other officials credited with helping to secure these events to benefit these communities and the state. The National Junior High Finals Rodeo will begin a 10-year run at the Lazy E Arena beginning this month, June 21-27. The National High School Finals Rodeo will begin a 10-year run at the arena in 2030. Edmond City Council designated $45,000 in 2022 to support the Lazy E's bid for both rodeos. The City of Guthrie contributed $10,000 per year for each contracted event to help recruit these national events. Officials from both communities believe the extended partnership will significantly boost lodging and sales tax revenue for their respective cities and the surrounding region. According to research from the University of Nebraska and Grotta Marketing Research, LLC, the combined annual impact of hosting the National Junior High and National High School Finals Rodeos includes 179,372 visitor days and $27.3 million in total economic output. Since opening in 1984, the Lazy E Arena has become home to a number of major western sports events, including the National Finals Steer Roping (concurrent with the 1984 National Finals Rodeo); Lazy E Arena Bullnanza (1989), a catalyst for the formation of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Tour; the Cinch Timed Event Championship; International Finals Rodeo; Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Team Roping; National High School Finals Rodeo (returning in 2030); Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association World Championship and several of the world’s largest western sports championships, including three of the top five-barrel races globally. The Lazy E now has many amenities to serve youth competitors and their families including a 30,000 square-foot climate-controlled multi-use even center, a production office, five new stall barns and a modern bathhouse.