The American Western Weekend Is Coming!
The American Western Weekend is coming back to Arlington! You won't want to miss The American Rodeo, the American Performance Horseman competition, and the country music stars!
2024 American Western Weekend
The American Western Weekend, returning in 2024 to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, is set to reprise its exhilarating blend of rodeo action and musical entertainment on March 8th to 9th.
In a significant move, Teton Ridge has forged a three-year partnership with the venue, establishing Arlington as the definitive hub for the American Western Weekend. This partnership promises to bring new dimensions to the event, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.
A standout feature of the weekend is the American Performance Horseman event, scheduled for March 8th. This competition is a convergence of skill and grace, showcasing 15 of the nation's premier horsemen and women from the NRCHA, NCHA, and NRHA. They will compete in events celebrating the Quarter Horse's beauty and power, offering a fresh perspective on equestrian performance sports.
The event's first night will reach a crescendo with a performance by country music legend Luke Bryan. Coming off an electrifying Las Vegas residency, Bryan, known for hits like "Country Girl," is set to transform the rodeo arena into a pulsating music hall, delivering an unforgettable evening of country music.
The grand finale on March 9th is the American Rodeo, the event's crown jewel. It uniquely features a Contender Tournament within the PRCA, allowing amateur rodeo athletes to compete alongside and potentially upstage the sport's established professionals. This format introduces an element of fierce competition and unpredictability, heightening the excitement for participants and spectators alike.
As the weekend draws to a close, attendees will be treated to a special performance by Grammy Award-nominated artist Post Malone. The Dallas native, who has recently made waves in the country music scene with his single “Pickup Man,” a duet with the late Joe Diffie performed at the 2023 CMA Awards, is set to deliver an iconic performance. This finale, featuring Post Malone's unique blend of genres, will perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the American Western Weekend, blending traditional Western sports with contemporary music entertainment.
Location and Dates
The 2024 American Western Weekend returns to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on March 8-9, 2024. The venue, known for its state-of-the-art facilities, offers an ideal setting for this large-scale event.
Organizers
The event is put on by Teton Ridge, a name synonymous with the promotion and celebration of Western heritage. Their dedication to preserving and showcasing Western sports and culture has been instrumental in the success of this event.
The American Rodeo
The American Rodeo, or "The American," is a prestigious PRCA rodeo that started in 2014. Managed and televised by the Rural Media Group's RFD-TV network and boasts a prize pool often exceeding $1 million, solidifying its status as one of the nation's most esteemed rodeo competitions.
In 2023, the event moved to Globe Life Field. It invites competitors from across the country, who earn their spots through qualifier events, and by 2022, the total prize money had escalated to over $3 million. It also includes a unique format called the Contender Tournament, where amateurs get a chance to compete against professionals.
American Rodeo Events
Reined Cow Horse
Cutting
Reining
Saddle Bronc
Steer Wrestling
Tie-Down Roping
Bull Riding
Breakaway Roping
Bareback Riding
Barrel Racing
Team Roping
American Performance Horseman Event
The American Performance Horseman event stands as a groundbreaking celebration, showcasing the grace and skill of western equine performance and the dedicated athletes who command these majestic Quarter Horses.
This event is a remarkable gathering of the finest in the disciplines of cutting, reined cow horse, and reining. Here, the top five highest-earning professional horsemen from each category come together in a spirited competition for a staggering $1 million prize.
This event is more than just a competition; it's a bridge between historical traditions from the past and future of the sport.
The American Performance Horseman is a cornerstone of the American Western Weekend. Alongside the much-anticipated American Rodeo, world-class entertainment, and an all-encompassing western festival, it contributes to an unparalleled entertainment experience.
Why Country Music Fans Can’t Miss It
The event will feature legendary performances from top country music artists. This year, the stage will be graced by Luke Bryan and Post Malone, offering a blend of classic and contemporary country music.
Luke Bryan
Country music star Luke Bryan has been captivating audiences with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. He began his music career with the release of his debut album "I'll Stay Me" in 2007.
Since then, Bryan has released several successful albums, including "Doin' My Thing," "Tailgates & Tanlines," "Crash My Party," "Kill the Lights," "What Makes You Country," and "Born Here Live Here Die Here." His vocal style is described as a high baritone with a range of two octaves, which has contributed to his unique sound in the country music genre.
Riding the wave of his dynamic Las Vegas residency, the artist behind the hit "Country Girl" is set to electrify the rodeo arena. As the night draws to a close, he'll captivate the audience with a selection of his most popular country hits.
In addition to his music, Bryan has made a significant impact through his various ventures. He has hosted the ACM and CMA awards several times and owns Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink, a multi-level entertainment facility in Nashville. He also founded his own record label, 32 Bridge Entertainment, under Universal Music Group Nashville.
Bryan's influence extends beyond his music; he's been involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting causes like the City of Hope and Red Cross. His wife Caroline established Brett's Barn, a sanctuary for rescue animals, and together they are involved in the Brett Boyer Foundation, which raises awareness for Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease.
After the conclusion of the American Rodeo, Globe Life Field is set to host a live performance by the Grammy Award-nominated sensation, Post Malone. Returning to his roots in Dallas, Post Malone brings a newfound acclaim in the country music scene, highlighted by his successful entry on the Billboard country charts.
This achievement follows the release of his first country single, “Pickup Man,” a memorable duet with the late country music icon Joe Diffie. This track made a notable impact at the 2023 CMA Awards, where it was performed alongside country music favorites Morgan Wallen and Hardy.
Post Malone
Post Malone, primarily known for his success in genres like hip hop, rap, and pop, has also made a notable foray into country music. His versatile musical style allows him to cross genres effortlessly, which is evident in his recent ventures into the country music scene.
One of his significant contributions to country music is his cover of "I Fall Apart," which showcases his ability to blend his unique vocal style with the emotional depth typical of country music.
In addition to individual performances, Post Malone has collaborated with various country music artists, further cementing his position in the genre. His collaborations often bring a unique blend of his signature style with traditional country music elements, creating a fresh and appealing sound for both his fans and country music enthusiasts.
While Post Malone's primary success and recognition come from other music genres, his excursions into country music have been met with positive responses, highlighting his broad appeal as an artist.
Highlights and Scores from 2023 American Rodeo
The 2023 American Rodeo was a memorable event, with several remarkable performances and results.
Bareback Riding: Kaycee Feild took top spot with his 90.5 finals score, making this his third American Rodeo championship title.
Steer Wrestling: With a 0.06-second margin of victory, Tyler Waguespack took home a $100,000 check for his 3.83-second run.
Team Roping: Five-time title winning duo Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira claimed another championship title with their clean 3.61-second run in the Final Shootout Round.
Saddle Bronc: After a riveting tie between Stetson Wright and Dawson Hay led to the first tie-breaking ride-off in American Rodeo history, Wright came out victorious with a score of 89.5.
Breakaway Roping: Rodeo great Jackie Crawford became the first million-dollar cowgirl in breakaway roping after stunning with a 1.86-second score.
Tie-Down Roping: Securing his share of Jackie Crawford’s million dollars, Ty Harris dominated the Final Shootout Round with a score of 7.22.
Barrel Racing: Swinging by for her third American Rodeo win, Lisa Lockhart wowed the crowd with a 15.248-second run.
Bull Riding: As if a saddle bronc win wasn’t enough, Stetson Wright made history with a record score of 92 points, making him the first athlete to win two events in a single American Rodeo. Wright pocketed another $100,000 and nabbed the title of All-Around Champion.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 American Western Weekend is not just a rodeo; it's a celebration of Western culture and entertainment, offering something for everyone – from die-hard rodeo fans to music lovers. With its impressive lineup of athletes and entertainers, it's an event that promises to leave lasting memories.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.