Steamboat’s Rodeo – As Real As It Gets 

On a Friday or Saturday evening throughout the summer, continual gasps from lively crowds reverberate against the backdrop of Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs. Thousands of spectators flock to the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena from mid-June to mid-August each year to experience the Steamboat Pro Rodeo for a true taste of the West.

Rodeo is synonymous with Routt County, whose ties to ranching trace back way before skiing. Since the late 1890s, references to bronco riding featured in the Steamboat Pilot, when local ranchers would challenge each other to compete in makeshift rodeo rings, on hard-to-handle animals.

Although bucking events were part of July Fourth celebrations from 1904, it took until 1927 for the town to build its first rodeo arena. Competitors took part in rough riding, steer roping, shooting contests, and pony racing with cowboys entering on their own dime. Back in the day, horses were as infamous as the riders.

Photo by Jace Romick Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series

In 1989 and 1990, the arena underwent a massive renovation and was renamed after a local rodeo champion, Brent Romick, who was the driving force through the funding process and vision. Brent, a bull rider and team roper, grew up watching his father Jack, a local rancher, compete on the rodeo circuit and went on to compete himself. “I’ve had more crashes than a bad corner on I-70 so let’s just say I don’t cruise through TSA,” he says laughing. His raw passion for ranch life, horses, cows, and bulls led him to follow in his father’s footsteps and go on to establish the summer rodeo series as it is today.

“There is a lot of money in the sport now and some of these guys can make $1 million a year.” Brent continues. Steamboat’s events are sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), and the venue hosts rodeo legends, circuit champions, hall of famers, season champions, and rookies.

From bull riding to bareback, barrel racing to calf roping, Steamboat’s rodeo is a continual reminder of the Western way. Stands ring with cheers, the star-spangled banner flies for a Stetson-clad crowd, who embrace the bravery and skills of the cowboys and cowgirls. Unlike many of today’s mountain town rodeos, Steamboat’s is the real deal, intrinsically linked to the area’s heritage as a cow town first and foremost. For more information or tickets visit: www.steamboatprorodeo.com