The Colorado Stampede Rodeo has been named “Most Improved Rodeo” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in the Mountain States Circuit.

Contestants voted at the end of the rodeo season, and the Colorado Stampede, which is held annually at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, was selected out of 136 rodeos.

“Receiving the ‘Most Improved Rodeo’ award is a great honor and reflects our entire team’s hard work and the incredible support from our local community,” said Tara Carleo, board member of Colorado Stampede Rodeo. “We set out to create an experience that not only showcases the talent of our competitors, but also celebrates the spirit of Colorado rodeo culture.”

More improvements are on the way as the Colorado Stampede Rodeo executive board is dedicated to further elevating the event for future seasons. Plans for 2025 include a junior rodeo, a 4H livestock show, rodeo queen clinic, additional VIP seating closer to the arena for sponsors and partners, more hospitality for competitors and investing in more community outreach.

“This award means so much to our team, and I am so proud of our amazing committee for accomplishing so much in less than a year,” said Laura Mendel, president and CEO of Colorado Stampede Rodeo. “We could not have pulled such an amazing rodeo off without our incredible volunteers, staff, sponsors and our contestants. I am so grateful to them for voting for us.”