02/12/2026
PRESS RELEASE - Sul Ross State University AND Reeves County Texas ANNOUNCE HISTORIC PECOS COLLEGIATE RODEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The University of the Real Cowboy Rides the World's First Rodeo
REEVES COUNTY, TEXAS (02/12/2026) - Where rodeo history was born and cowboy tradition still rides strong, Sul Ross State University and the Town of Pecos City are proud to announce the First Annual Sul Sul Ross State University Rodeo Team Pecos College Rodeo, set for April 9-11, 2026, at the legendary Buck Jackson Arena, Home of The World's First Rodeo.
"We welcome and invite visitors, locals, and rodeo fans from everywhere to the first collegiate rodeo right here in Reeves County, where it all began," said Reeves County Commissioner Paul Hinojos. "This is a historic event and something everyone will remember for years to come."
"It's rodeo season in Texas, and I am delighted that Reeves County, home of the World's First Rodeo, has the privilege to be part of the 2026 collegiate rodeo circuit," added Louise Moore, Reeves County Commissioner, Precinct 1. "We welcome everyone to come on over to Pecos and join in on the fun." Sul Ross State University, known as the birthplace of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), will bring collegiate rodeo back to one of the sport's most storied grounds. Nightly rodeo performances will begin at 7:00 p.m., with slack rounds on April 10 and 11 starting at 9:00 a.m. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Lone Star Region of the NIRA and will feature top collegiate athletes from across the region competing where rodeo history runs deepest.
This landmark event represents a powerful partnership between two cornerstones of rodeo heritage. Sul Ross State University helped shape collegiate rodeo as it is known today, while Pecos, Texas proudly carries the legacy of hosting the world's first rodeo. Together, they unite past, present, and future in a celebration of authentic cowboy culture.
"We are excited to come to Pecos to host the first annual Sul Ross State University Pecos Rodeo," said CJ
Aragon, Sul Ross Rodeo Coach, a true hand of the West. "There is no better place to celebrate collegiat rodeo than Pecos, at Reeves County's Buck Jackson Arena, a community that represents both the foundation and the future of our sport."
Fans can expect three days of elite collegiate competition, honoring rodeo's deep traditions while spotlighting the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls. From ba****ck riding to barrel racing, the event promises grit, skill, and the unmistakable spirit of the American West.
For those unable to attend in person, all rodeo performances and slack rounds will stream live on CowboyChannel+, bringing the action from world famous Buck Jackson Arena to rodeo fans nationwide. While the Cowboy Channel+ will broadcast the nightly rodeo performances, Sul Ross State University will provide exclusive livestream coverage o the slack rounds, ensuring fans can experince every moment of the action.
The inaugural Sul Ross State University Pecos College Rodeo stands as a testament to living history, where the University of the Real Cowboy Rides The World's First Rodeo, and the legacy of the West continues to thunder forward.
Media Contact:
Daniel Alvarado, Lead Wrangler & Director of Digital Media - [email protected]
Head Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon - Sul Ross State University Rodeo Program [email protected]
