DODGE CITY, Kan. – Organizers of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo are building on their successes.

Each year, the volunteer committee that produces the annual happening handles much of the work it takes to make upgrades around Roundup Rodeo. Patrons have taken notice, from improved seating to updated services.

It’s a labor of love, and the newest refinements will be noticeable during this year’s rodeo, set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 29-Sunday, Aug. 2, at Roundup Arena; Dodge City Xtreme Bulls is set for 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.

“Last year we introduced the food court and another big screen there,” said Rod Swafford, a longtime Roundup director. “The north beer stand was a construction problem, and with the addition of the food court and the big screen we have there, we wanted to rebuild that stand.

“The cooler space was limited, and with more people being up on that end of the complex with the food court and the big screen, we wanted to make it better. When the new north beer stand is up and running, people can just enjoy the rodeo experience a little more around there.”

Officials expect the upgraded beer stand near the food court to be in working order by opening night of the 2026 Roundup Rodeo. It’s just not the only thing that’s been done to enhance fan experience.

“Down on the south side of the complex where we had a large tent, it’s now a permanent roof with extensions out of each side of it that makes a large shade over that cement slab,” Swafford said. “The work has already been done to that and is completed, and the décor matches the rest of the new buildings, the box office and the overall look of things.”

While some partners have been able to assist with upgrades, much of the labor comes from the Roundup board of directors, the men and women who volunteer their efforts to help make the community’s marquee event shine year after year.

“Those are going to be the big improvements for this year, but we’re doing a lot of other things around Roundup Arena to have it spruced up in time for the rodeo,” Swafford said.

That includes repainting arena fences and making sure everything is in working order. The goal, of course, is to provide the best overall experience possible for the audiences that will be on hand for six days of rodeo action.

A number of enhancements have occurred over the last several years, from a VIP Skydeck above the bucking chutes to renovated seating. Gone are the days of the wooden-plank bleachers, all of which have been updated with aluminum.

“When you put on an event like this, you have to keep the fans in mind,” said Steve Deges, the committee’s president. “Our goal is to make everything better for them. We want them to enjoy the rodeo, enjoy the food and drinks, and enjoy the atmosphere so they want to come back.”