OG&E Coliseum is a modern arena at OKC Fair Park and stands as a beacon for future events at the fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, including the Oklahoma City ProRodeo presented by Tractor Supply Co., a McCoy Rodeo production that takes place Jan. 23-25.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OKLAHOMA CITY)

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma-based McCoy Rodeo has a unique distinction.

Not only did the company produce the final Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event in the historic Jim Norick Arena, but it will also produce the first PRCA event in its replacement, OG&E Coliseum at the OKC Fair Park.

“When we decided we wanted to bring ProRodeo back to Oklahoma City, we wanted it to continue year after year,” said Cord McCoy, a rodeo champion who co-owns the company with his wife, Sara. “To be the first PRCA rodeo in OG&E Coliseum is pretty cool.”

The Oklahoma City ProRodeo presented by Tractor Supply Co. is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23-Saturday, Jan. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, in Oklahoma City. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 6, at www.McCoyRodeo.com.

With nearly 500 contestants entered to compete in last year’s event, expectations are high as McCoy and his team plan for this year’s lineup.

“We paid out over $50,000 last year, and I expect that to increase this year,” said McCoy, a five-time IPRA champion who qualified for the 2005 National Finals Rodeo and advanced to the PBR World Finals six times before transitioning to the role of stock contractor. “Our goal is to continue to grow this rodeo, and just moving into this new building is a big part of that.”

The fanfare around rodeo is growing, and fans are flocking to arenas across North America, where attendance is up. More businesses are partnering with rodeos, contractors, cowboys and cowgirls, and payouts are increasing. Contestants are setting new standards for single-season earnings because of the sport’s popularity. In all, six cowboys earned more than $500,000 in 2025. That number will likely increase this year.

How much has the money improved over the past 20 years? McCoy finished his only NFR 15th in the 2005 world standings with $82,234. The 2025 No. 15 bull rider was Rawley Johnson, who earned $158,778.

Two cowboys ended their all-around race in Las Vegas. Stetson Wright won the bull riding gold buckle for the third time and added his sixth all-around championship, clearing $941,429 while also finishing third in the saddle bronc riding standings. Wacey Schalla of Arapaho, Oklahoma, was the reserve all-around champion after earning $741,428 riding bulls and bareback horses.

That’s an incredible annual salary, but this is a professional sport that requires a lot out of its players. There are no guaranteed contracts, and expenses aren’t covered by a team. Cowboys and cowgirls must pay their own way, including the entry fees in order to compete. The only way they’re paid is if they beat most of the field.

“The money has certainly changed over the years, but you still have to have the fire and passion,” McCoy said. “We rodeo because we love it and because we’re competitive. It’s a lifestyle more than it is making a living. It’s good that we get to do this, but I think we do this because we’re cowboys.”