Casper will continue to welcome the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) for many more years after a new agreement extended the event's stay through 2037.

The agreement brings together the City of Casper, Natrona County and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), continuing a relationship that began in 1999.

Since then, Casper has become a familiar destination for college rodeo competitors from across the country.

The CNFR gives qualifying college athletes the opportunity to compete on a national stage after working through the regular rodeo season to earn their place. Competitors take part in events ranging from bull riding and bareback riding to barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, steer wrestling, team roping and more.

The decision to extend the agreement also comes as the event continues to draw strong interest. Championship Saturday performances have sold out for the past three years, adding to the momentum surrounding the annual competition in Casper.

For the local community, the extension means Casper will continue to have a role in one of collegiate rodeo's biggest championship events. Athletes, coaches, families and fans will keep making their way to the area each June, bringing another annual gathering of the rodeo community to the city.

The next chapter begins with the 2027 College National Finals Rodeo, scheduled for June 13–19 at the Ford Wyoming Center.

With the agreement now extending through 2037, Casper's connection with the CNFR will continue for another decade and beyond, giving future college rodeo competitors the chance to compete for national championships right here in Wyoming.

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Photo courtesy of NIRA | Photography by Blushing Cactus Photography and Summer Lane Photography