The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Rodeo Association will host the 59th annual UNL Rodeo April 14-15 at the Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St., Lincoln.
The association is primarily run by students, who organize and raise funds for the event. Members have many responsibilities beyond that of a typical student. Students must purchase fuel, stock and feed, hire safety professionals and rent the event space. Event committees, such as hospitality, promotion, education and production, are formed to ensure every detail is handled.
“Our students work extremely hard to put this event together and it’s fun to see their hard work pay off,” said adviser Jamie Bauman.
On April 10, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts joined members of the rodeo team on horseback to prolaim April 9-15, 2017, Rodeo Week in Nebraska.
"What we really are trying to do is help promote the rodeo for UNL, but also because this is a great sport and a ton of fun," Ricketts said. "We want to let people know about it so they will come out and attend, and it's part of our heritage as Nebraskans."
Rodeo tickets start at $10 and are available at http://www.lancastereventcenter.org. Adult general admission tickets are $15 at the door, reserved seating is $20 at the door and VIP seating is $30 at the door. College students can purchase tickets for $5 at the door. The public is encouraged to bring two canned goods to the rodeo to receive $1 off any adult ticket purchased at the door.
Youth general admission is $5, and reserved seating is $10. Youth 2 and under receive free admittance. Kids Day will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Rodeo demonstrations and live animals will highlight the free activities. Children 12 and under will receive free admission to the 1 p.m. performance.
The rodeo association is a member of the Great Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. About 250 contestants from six states compete in 10 rodeos throughout the year for a chance to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.
The rodeo is held each year during CASNR Week, a celebration of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. CASNR Week is solely planned, organized and executed by students.