The ice is out, bucking chutes have replaced penalty boxes and the dirt is on the Ector County Coliseum floor.
It’s time for the 2023 SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event gets underway with its first performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coliseum.
Started in 1933, the event has been one of the opening rodeos for cowboys and cowgirls chasing the dream of competing at the National Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas.
This year will be no different as several past and current stars will jump on the back of rank broncs and bulls or try to stop the clock as quickly as possible.
Will Lowe of Amarillo, a three-time PRCA world champion bareback rider, is scheduled to be up on Thursday, along with steer wrestling Trell Etbauer of Goodwell, Okla.
A pair of bull riders who finished in the Top 5 in the world standings in 2022 — Tristen Hutchings of Monteview, Idaho (third) and Ky Hamilton of Queensland, Australia (fourth) — will help close out opening night.
Tie-down roper Joel Harris of San Angelo, who finished 11th in the world in 2022, is one of the highlighted contestants during Friday’s second performance.
Competition gets under in steer roping on Saturday morning during slack at the Andrews County Expo.
The annual Super Tuesday Roping event will take over the venue Tuesday with Pro-Am and Pro competitions.
The rodeo returns to the Coliseum on Jan. 12 for its final three performances.
Leighton Berry of Weatherford, who finished third in the 2022 bareback standings, will compete on closing night (Jan. 14).
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