Cheyenne Frontier Days Updates Format & Removes Slack 2026

 

An expanded rodeo schedule with an updated format will highlight the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration in 2026.

For the first time in the rodeo’s history, there will be 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo with the addition of the first Friday rodeo, from July 17 – 26. The additional performance allows for more rodeo action while enhancing the overall experience for fans, contestants and volunteers. 

In 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days will increase rodeo prize money from $770,000 to $960,000 reflecting a continued investment in maintaining its elite status as one of the richest payouts in professional rodeo. CFD is also introducing revisions to the tournament style format designed to support the rodeo’s long-term sustainability.

Cheyenne Frontier Days faces challenges accommodating the huge number of modern rodeo rigs used by contestants in timed events to house both the contestants and their horses. The new format will allow road-weary contestants and their animals time to rest while on Frontier Park. It will also ease park congestion, while supporting the volunteers who are preparing for the celebration. Current challenges also exist with cattle availability, a major factor for the rodeo industry.

The updated rodeo format eliminates qualifying slack rounds for timed events the week before the official start of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Instead, CFD worked with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) to select qualifying rodeos across the country for contestants to be among the elite that compete at the Daddy of ‘em All.

“Our goal is to have long-term sustainability for all of our events, especially the rodeo that is the cornerstone of our celebration,” said Tom Hirsig CFD Chief Executive Officer. “There are a lot of factors to consider when planning, from our relationships with our sanctioning bodies (PRCA and WPRA) to the contestants and the thousands of volunteers who put in countless hours to make it all possible.”

In the timed events of tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing, contestants will qualify through a combination of selected qualifying rodeos, world standings and circuit qualifications. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by performance during the first six preliminary rounds, with top competitors moving on to one of three semifinal rounds. From there, finalists will advance to championship competition, where champions will ultimately be crowned during the finals on July 26, ensuring a competitive field and strong nationwide representation inside the Frontier Park arena.

“We are excited for the rodeos selected to serve as qualifiers,” Hirsig said. “This is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with other professional rodeos that are spread out geographically across the United States. We are confident that contestants will utilize them as a chance to punch their ticket to the Daddy of ’em All.”

Daily rodeo tickets range from $26 to $53, with a $3 discount available on tickets purchased before July 1. Fans are welcome to come out on Monday and Thursday mornings for the Wild Card Rounds for a $5 gate admission. CFDrodeo.com is the only official source for tickets to the Daddy of ‘em All, and tickets for the new Chute 9 are now available for purchase.

Celebrating its 130th year in 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days continues its legacy of showcasing elite rodeo competition, honoring tradition and delivering an unforgettable Western experience to fans from the seasoned veteran to those that travel to Cheyenne from around the world. - CFD Media