Construction crews have begun the development of Chute Heavens, which is specialized seating above the bucking chutes at RCB Arena inside Stampede Park in Claremore. The seating will be for the biggest supporters of the Will Rogers Stampede.
(COURTESY PHOTO)

 

CLAREMORE, Okla. – Construction crews have returned to Stampede Park.

For the last several years, organizers have continued to make improvements on the infrastructure around RCB Bank Arena, home of the Will Rogers Stampede, which takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, May 22-Sunday, May 24; gates open at 6 p.m., with mutton bustin’ and other entertainment beginning at 7.

“Our latest update is the construction of our ‘Chute Heavens,’ ” said David Petty, a longtime director of the rodeo. “In essence, this is sponsor and VIP seating for our biggest supporters. They will have private access, and it’s a chance for them to see the rodeo from a premier location.

“It works out with the timing of this enhancement, because we expect everything to be ready for our 80th Will Rogers Stampede.”

This is an opportunity to celebrate greatness. For more than a decade, Claremore’s rodeo has been recognized as one of the best in the PRCA. It’s been named Small Rodeo of the Year six times. It’s popularity has blossomed with that, and it’s grown in classification, now one of the medium-size ProRodeos.

It’s more than “divine intervention.” Making renovations like this have been a community working together to make something that was great even better.

“This is going to elevate the experience for our VIPs and sponsors,” Petty said. “We’ve got the ‘Chute Heavens’ set up a little set back but still over the bucking chutes, so everyone up there will get to see behind the scenes of what happens at our rodeo.”

The area will feature 12 suites, with each providing seating for 15 people. Volunteers will offer finger foods and provide access for a cash bar. It’s an opportunity for the rodeo’s partners to enjoy their contributions to the rodeo’s success, and it serves as another sign of intentional growth through the Interlocal Rodeo Arena Cooperative.

It’s another phase of ongoing improvements to the facility.

“With the creation of the coop, we’ve been able to make significant infrastructure upgrades over the last five years,” Petty said. “We’ve also had other partnerships that have come through. Our hospitality barn, which is a 40-foot-by-60-foot pavilion, was made possible by the Cherokee Nation. We’ve had some amazing supporters, like Frank Robson. Of course, the coop isn’t what it is today without our chairman, Louie Gardner

“There’s been a lot of work done over the years, from new parking lots, a new announcer’s stand, a new office for our rodeo secretary, new restrooms that have air conditioning, new RV plugs and new pens. It’s certainly brightened up this facility.”

One of the keys to the rodeo’s success is in the community support. To pay that back, the upgrades that have been made are to improve the fan experience. The Will Rogers Stampede continues to give spectators the best bang for their bucks.

“The community has really banded together, and they have a rodeo they can be very proud of,” said Scott Grover, the voice of the stampede since 2005.