CNFR slots on the line at 60th annual Tarleton Stampede; action gets underway this week.
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
TSU Media Relations
Special to Beneath the Surface News
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association action returns to Stephenville with the 60th annual Tarleton Stampede this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Cowboy Capital Fairgrounds Arena, 9875 U.S. Hwy. 67.
Nightly performances get underway at 7 p.m., with slack scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday mornings.
In all, seven colleges and universities will compete in nine NIRA events, including bareback riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, goat tying, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
Rodeo announcers Ben Clements and Ferron Lucero will call the action, with TNT Rodeo Company, Calgary Stampede Rodeo Company and Rawhide Rodeo Company serving as stock contractors.
Thursday’s performance is Senior Night, Friday is Team Sponsor Night and Saturday is Hall of Fame and Tarleton State Night.
The Tarleton Stampede is the season finale for the NIRA Lone Star Region and will play a part in deciding the qualifiers to the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo June 14-20 in Casper, Wyo.
Coming into the three-night rodeo, Tarleton State University tops the leaderboard on the men’s and women’s sides of the Lone Star Region, and Clay Greenslade and Rylee Abel lead in the individual all-around standings.
Additionally, Devon Moore is tops in bareback riding, goat tyer Faith Lundberg leads the region and Abel is the breakaway roping leader heading into the weekend Stampede.
Admission is $10 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free.
Tarleton State faculty, staff and students are free with a Tarleton State ID.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
Love seeing rodeo culture staying strong and giving students a chance to compete at a higher level. The atmosphere must be amazing with all those events lined up. Also, nothing fits this vibe better than a classic Cowboy leather jacket perfect for that true rodeo spirit!