Does Georgia Have A Rodeo? Yes, Georgia has several rodeos, the largest of which is the Georgia National Rodeo in Perry each February, which is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Other popular events include the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo (Memorial Day weekend), the Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo, and The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo by UGA.
Yes – Georgia hosts several PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeos each year. The largest is the Georgia National Rodeo in Perry each February, with $120,000+ in prize money and a record Saturday attendance of 14,661 in 2025. Other major events include the Great Southland Stampede at the University of Georgia in Athens (the largest student-run rodeo in the country, running since April 1970), the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo in the mountains of North Georgia, and the PBR touring event that visits Perry each year. Georgia also operates an active youth rodeo program at the high school, junior high, and college levels.
- Yes, Georgia has rodeos – and more than most of them realize. The state supports at least four major annual PRCA-sanctioned events, a PBR touring stop, and a thriving youth rodeo pipeline.
- The Georgia National Rodeo in Perry is the flagship event, Offering $120,000+ in prize money over three days each February. A record 14,661 fans attended the sold-out Saturday night performance on February 22, 2025.
- The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo at UGA It has been running since 1970 and is now the largest student-run rodeo in the nation. PRCA-sanctioned since 1974, the 51st annual event ran from March 19-21, 2026.
- Georgia is part of the PRCA’s Southeastern Circuit, Meaning points earned at the Georgia Rodeo count towards qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas each December.
- Georgia’s youth rodeo programs GHSRA, GJRA, UGA Block & Bridle, and North Georgia -Little Birches – create a direct pipeline from youth competition to the professional circuit.
- The 2026 calendar includes confirmed events Athens (March), Perry (February and a PBR stop), and seasonal events in the Hiawassee and Athens/Winterville area.
Table of Contents
| $120K+ | 14,661 | 56 years | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia National Rodeo prize money across 3 days in Perry, February 2025. Source: Southeastern Pro Rodeos. | Record fans at the sold-out Saturday night, Georgia National Rodeo, February 22, 2025. Source: 41NBC News. | Great Southland Stampede Rodeo at UGA has been running since 1970 — 51st annual in March 2026. | Major PRCA-sanctioned rodeo events are held in Georgia each year, plus youth and PBR stops. |
When most people picture professional rodeo, Georgia isn’t the first state that comes to mind. They think of Wyoming, Texas, and Nevada. Cowboy hats and spurs feel more Rocky Mountain than the Deep South.
That assumption is out of touch with reality.
Georgia has a more active, historically significant rodeo scene than almost any state east of the Mississippi. One of its events – the Great Southland Stampede at the University of Georgia – was once officially named the largest rodeo east of Mississippi and today holds the distinction of being the largest student-run rodeo in the country. A February event in Perry frequently sells out and draws about 15,000 fans a night. And UGA students have been staging professional, PRCA-sanctioned rodeos since 1974 – older than many Western states’ events, people think their roots are deep.
This guide covers everything: every major rodeo in Georgia, the history behind each, how they connect to the national PRCA circuit and the road to Las Vegas, what to expect as a first-time visitor, and what Georgia’s youth programs mean for the future of the sport in the state.
| Rodeo | Location | Typical Dates | Type | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia National Rodeo | Reaves Arena, Perry, GA | 3rd weekend of February | PRCA + WPRA sanctioned | $120,000+ purse; record 14,661 fans (2025); Top 20 SE Signature Events |
| Great Southland Stampede | UGA Livestock Arena, Athens, GA | March (March 19–21, 2026) | PRCA sanctioned | Largest student-run rodeo in the nation; UGA Block & Bridle since 1970 |
| The Georgia Rodeo | Winterville, GA (Athens area) | April | Rodeo + music festival | festival Started 2021; combines PRCA rodeo with headlining country acts |
| Hiawassee Pro Rodeo | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA | Late May (Memorial Day weekend) | PRCA sanctioned | Scenic North Georgia mountain setting; classic professional format |
| PBR Heart of GA Shootout | Perry, GA | Varies (depends on pbr.com) | PBR Touring Pro Series | Professional Bull Riders touring event; elite bull riding competition |
| Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo | Statesboro, GA | Varies (spring/summer) | Community/PRCA | Long-running community event in Southeast Georgia |
The Georgia National Rodeo: Georgia’s Flagship Event
If there’s one Georgia rodeo that defines the state’s relationship with professional competition, it’s the Georgia National Rodeo in Perry. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, 401 Larry Walker Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069, the event operates under dual sanctioning from the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and WPRA (Women’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), meaning it can earn a spot in Las Vegas for the national finals rodeo each December.
The 2025 event ran from February 20-22 and broke its own attendance record. A packed crowd of 14,661 fans packed Reaves Arena on Saturday night – as 41NBC News confirmed in its February 28, 2025 coverage. The event has been named one of the Southeast’s top 20 signature events by the Southeast Tourism Society, a designation it has consistently maintained.
Seven PRCA disciplines fill the three-night program: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. The total prize purse is more than $120,000. Between events, the audience is treated to special acts, a mutton bustin for young fans, and access to vendors inside and outside Reeves Arena from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Source: Perry, GA
The Georgia National Rodeo also runs a Junior Livestock Show alongside the competitive program, featuring 1,200 FFA and 4-H students from across Georgia who exhibit farm animals as part of an integrated agricultural education experience. The blend of professional sports and the agricultural community is what sets the Perry event apart from a purely competitive rodeo. It is a cultural touchstone for rural and agricultural Georgia, not just a sporting event.
Georgia’s Major Rodeos – Annual Prize Money (2025)
How Georgia’s biggest events compare by total annual prize purse. Georgia National Rodeo figure verified; others estimated at PRCA Southeastern Circuit level.
Georgia National Rodeo prize purse confirmed at $120,000+ by southeasternprorodeos.org (2025). Other figures are estimates based on PRCA Southeastern Circuit-level event purse ranges. Actual amounts vary by year and sponsorship. Contact each event directly for current confirmed prize money.
The Great Southland Stampede: A UGA Tradition 56 Years in the Making
The story of the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo begins in 1970 with a problem: the University of Georgia livestock judging team needed money to travel and compete. Their solution was bold. Each team member signed a personal note, put up their trucks and washing machines as collateral, and began planning a rodeo as a fundraiser. They raised the money. No one lost a truck.
Four years later, in 1974, the rodeo was held inside UGA’s Stegeman Coliseum and received its first PRCA sanction. For the next 29 years, Stegeman Coliseum removed its basketball courts each spring and replaced them with ten inches of dirt. Filled to capacity year after year, it officially earned the distinction of being the largest rodeo event in Mississippi – a distinction it earned during its indoor era. Source: gssrodeo.
In 2004, the event moved from Stegeman Coliseum to Athens Heritage Park and eventually to its current home at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena. The rodeo has been named Indoor Rodeo of the Year by the IPRA for two consecutive years. The 51st Annual Great Southland Stampede ran March 19–21, 2026, with tickets priced at $10 – $27 and doors opening at 6:00 PM for an 8:00 PM showtime. Source: Eventbrite – 51st GSSR 2026.
The History: How Georgia’s Rodeo Scene Was Built
1970: A Fundraiser That Became an Institution
The Great Southland Stampede’s 1970 origins as a cattle rancher’s fundraiser that defies travel budgets are no footnotes – it’s the defining story of Georgia rodeo. It shows that the sport’s presence in Georgia grew from its roots in agricultural education, not from a Western heritage transplanted wholesale from Texas or Wyoming. Georgia’s rodeo tradition is agricultural-education-first, which explains why it has survived and thrived in a state where most people are not associated with cowboy culture.
1974: PRCA Sanction and the Indoor Era Begins
When the PRCA sanctioned the Great Southland Stampede in 1974, it legalized Georgia as a professional rodeo state. From that point on, points earned in Athens count toward world standings that can carry over to Las Vegas. The 29-year-old race at Stageman Coliseum – where 10 inches of dirt replaces a college basketball court each spring – produced what was officially recognized as the largest rodeo east of Mississippi.
1990s–2000s: Perry Finds Its Voice
The Georgia National Fairgrounds and AgriCenter in Perry quickly became a major rodeo destination during the 1990s and 2000s. Perry’s central Georgia location – on Interstate 75, about halfway between Atlanta and the Florida state line – makes it accessible to fans throughout the Southeast. The Georgia National Rodeo has built a reputation as a destination winter event for competitors on the Southeastern circuit, a reputation that has been solidified in recent years with consecutive sold-out performances.
2004: The Move to Heritage Park
The Great Southland Stampede moved from the Stageman Coliseum to Athens’ Heritage Park and later to the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena in 2004. The move from a college basketball arena to a purpose-built agricultural facility actually served the event better in terms of livestock management and outdoor environment, even if it meant leaving behind the unique view of the dirt-filled college coliseum of the field.
2021: A New Format Arrives
The Georgia Rodeo was launched in 2021 as an intentionally diverse event — one that pairs professional rodeo competition with headlining country music artists that draw fans who might not attend a traditional rodeo but come for the shared experience. Artists like The Red Clay Streets and Zack Top have performed at recent editions. It has established itself as a celebration of, in the words of the event organizers, “everything we love about the South — enjoying the outdoors with friends, incredible live music, and an unmissable rodeo.” Source: thegeorgiarodeo.com.
2025: Georgia Sets a Crowd Record
The Saturday night performance at the Georgia National Rodeo on February 22, 2025, drew 14,661 spectators — a record that confirms how dramatically the state’s appetite for professional rodeo has grown. The event sold out well in advance, and subsequent commentary from organizers suggested that the 2026 event will face similar demand. Source: 41NBC News
A Legacy Measured in Years – Georgia Rodeo Traditions (as of 2026)
Continuous years of operation for each major Georgia rodeo. Longer bars represent deeper tradition and institutional history.
Great Southland Stampede 1970 founding and 1974 PRCA sanction verified via gssrodeo.org/history. The 51st annual GSSR ran March 19 – 21, 2026 – confirming 56 years of continuous operation. Georgia National Rodeo and Hiawassee founding years are approximate. The Georgia Rodeo 2021 launch confirmed by thegeorgiarodeo.
Case Study: The 2025 Georgia National Rodeo – What a Record Night Looks Like
Georgia rodeo attendance has been steadily increasing throughout the 2020s, and the 2025 record is not an isolated spike – it follows years of consistent sellouts at Saturday night performances. According to UGA’s own reporting, agriculture is the largest industry in the state of Georgia, and as the agricultural identity grows stronger in Georgia’s suburbs, so does interest in rodeo as a cultural expression of that identity. The record crowds are as much a demographic story as a sports story.
The 2025 Georgia National Rodeo – Record-Breaking Saturday Night
February 22, 2025 set a new all-time Saturday attendance record at Reaves Arena, Perry. Only the 2025 Saturday figure is officially verified.
Saturday February 22, 2025 attendance of 14,661 verified by 41NBC News (February 28, 2025). Friday and Thursday figures are estimates based on typical multi-night PRCA event attendance patterns. Saturday nights consistently draw the largest crowds at the Georgia National Rodeo. The event was named one of the Top 20 Signature Events of the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Source: Perry, GA.
The Georgia National Rodeo also runs a Junior Livestock Show alongside the competitive program, featuring 1,200 FFA and 4-H students from across Georgia who exhibit farm animals as part of an integrated agricultural education experience. The blend of professional sports and the agricultural community is what sets the Perry event apart from a purely competitive rodeo. It is a cultural touchstone for rural and agricultural Georgia, not just a sporting event.
Georgia’s Major Rodeos – Annual Prize Money Comparison (2025)
How Georgia’s biggest events stack up by annual prize purse. Georgia National Rodeo figure verified; others estimated at PRCA Southeastern Circuit level.
Georgia National Rodeo purse verified at $120,000+ by southeasternprorodeos.org (2025). Figures for other events are estimates based on PRCA Southeastern Circuit-level event purse ranges. Actual amounts vary by year and additional sponsor contributions. Contact individual event websites for current confirmed purses.
Georgia’s Youth Rodeo Pipeline: Building the Next Generation
One of the least appreciated aspects of Georgia’s rodeo scene is the infrastructure for young competitors. Georgia isn’t just a destination for professional cowboys from other states – it’s developing its own athletes through a tiered system of youth programs.
Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA)
The GHSRA governs high school rodeo competition statewide, providing a competitive structure for teenage athletes in all standard PRCA rodeo events plus youth-specific disciplines. High school competitors earn state standings points through GHSRA events, with top performers qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Association Finals – the high school equivalent of the NFR – held annually in July. The GHSRA gives Georgia’s rural and agricultural communities a formal competitive outlet that feeds directly into the PRCA card pipeline.
Georgia Junior Rodeo Association (GJRA)
Below the high school level, the GJRA serves younger competitors – pre-teens and teens who develop basic rodeo skills in a structured, safety-supervised environment. Junior rodeo is where most professional competitors begin their careers, learning barrel racing, breakaway roping, and mutton bustin (sheep riding for the youngest participants) before graduating to high school competition.
UGA Block & Bridle Club: The College Gateway
The University of Georgia’s Block and Bridle Club is, by any measure, one of the most productive livestock student organizations in the American South. With more than 200 active members who run the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo year-round, the club does more than just put on a show – it trains agricultural students in full-scale event management, livestock handling, sponsorship negotiations, and crisis response. “It’s like running a full-scale business,” GSSR Chair Alyssa Ashurst told UGA Grady News Source in 2025. The skills developed through GSSR involvement are directly transferable to careers in agricultural marketing, livestock contracting, and professional rodeo event production. UGA Grady Newsource.
North Georgia Little Birches Rodeo Association
In the mountains of North Georgia – the same region that hosts the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo – the Little Birches program gives the youngest riders their first competitive experience. Mountain Georgia has a particularly strong equestrian culture that spans both rodeos and show riding, and Little Birches serves as an entry point for many kids whose first exposure to competitive riding comes through mountain agricultural fairs and community events.
What to Expect at a Georgia Rodeo: Your Complete Visitor Guide
Tickets: Buy Early, Buy Online
The Georgia National Rodeo sells out – especially its Saturday night performances. Tickets go on sale in early February through Georgeationalrodeo, and Saturday’s show often sells out within days. For the Great Southland Stampede, tickets range from $10–$27 and are sold through the event website and Eventbrite. The Georgia Rodeo in Winterville strongly encourages advance online purchases through thegeorgiarodeo. For a searchable database of all Georgia rodeos, RodeoTicket maintains a comprehensive calendar by location and date.
What to Wear
Nothing is required. But jeans, cowboy boots, and a hat are the prevailing dress code at every Georgia rodeo, and you’ll be comfortable in them at any venue. For outdoor summer events like the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo, lightweight clothing and sunscreen make as much of a difference as Western style. The Georgia Rodeo in Winterville attracts a crowd that mixes concert attire with Western attire, reflecting its dual music-festival-and-rodeo identity.
Family-Friendly Considerations
Georgia rodeos are usually great family outings. Mutton bustin’—where kids ages 4–7 ride sheep in a mini-competition – is a crowd favorite at the Georgia National Rodeo and gets a great response from young attendees. Vendor areas in Perry open eight hours before the evening performance, giving families time to explore before the competitive action begins. The Great Southland Stampede at UGA is a university community event that draws a particularly welcoming, diverse crowd that includes students, families, and Athens-area residents who might not otherwise attend the rodeo.
Parking and Arrival
There is ample parking at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. Arriving early is recommended not only for parking but also because the vendor booths and Junior Livestock Show run all day long – the competition performance is the finale, not the entire experience. For GSSR in Athens, parking is available at 2600 S Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30606, near the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena.
Upcoming 2026 Georgia Rodeo Calendar
| Event | Location | Tickets/Info |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia National Rodeo 2026 | Reaves Arena, Perry, GA | georgianationalrodeo.com |
| 51st Great Southland Stampede | UGA Livestock Arena, Athens, GA | gssrodeo.org · Eventbrite |
| The Georgia Rodeo 2026 | Winterville, GA | thegeorgiarodeo.com |
| Hiawassee Pro Rodeo 2026 | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA | Check local listings |
| PBR Heart of GA Shootout 2026 | Perry, GA | pbr.com |
Rodeo Associations
There are several associations in Georgia that support rodeo sports in different age groups:
- Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA)
- Georgia Junior Rodeo Association (GJRA)
- North Georgia Little Birches Rodeo Association
You can find current program schedules and purchase tickets through specific event websites, such as the Georgia National Rodeo, or through general rodeo ticket platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions for Does Georgia Have A Rodeo?
What should I wear to a Georgia rodeo?
Comfort is key! Jeans, boots, and a hat are standard but not required. Check the weather, as venues may be open. For events like the Georgia Rodeo Music Festival, attendees often mix cowboy style with concert attire.
Can I get involved in rodeo in Georgia without being a competitor?
Absolutely. Local rodeos often rely on volunteers. You can also help by attending events, attending related festivals, and following local associations like the UGA Block and Bridle Club, which runs the Great Southland Stampede.
How do I get tickets or find a rodeo near me?
Tickets are usually sold through the specific event or venue website. For a comprehensive list of Georgia rodeos, websites like RodeoTicket.com offer a searchable database by location and date.
Is there a PBR event in Georgia?
There is ample parking at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. Arriving early is recommended not only for parking but also because the vendor booths and Junior Livestock Show run all day long — the competition performance is the finale, not the entire experience. For GSSR in Athens, parking is available at 2600 S Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30606, near the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena.
How much is the prize money at the Georgia National Rodeo?
The Georgia National Rodeo offers more than $120,000 in total prize money over the three-day event, divided among seven PRCA and WPRA events. Individual event winners take home money about $2,000 to $3,000 per event at this level of Southeast circuit competition, meaningful earnings that directly contribute to a competitor’s world standings for the season. Source: Southeast Pro Rodeos.
What events are at Georgia rodeos?
PRCA-sanctioned Georgia rodeos feature seven standard events: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing (WPRA). Some programs also feature special acts, mutton bustins (young children riding sheep), and rodeo entertainment between competitive rounds. The Great Southland Stampede features all seven PRCA events, plus audience participation activities.
What should I wear to a Georgia rodeo?
There is no dress code required. However, jeans, cowboy boots, and hats are standard at all Georgia rodeo events and you will find them comfortable to wear. For outdoor spring and summer events (Hiawassee Pro Rodeo and The Georgia Rodeo), lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are important for standing and walking in the outdoor environment. The Georgia Rodeo in Winterville sees a mix of Western attire and concert attire given its music festival look.
Does Georgia have youth rodeo programs?
Yes, Georgia has four organized youth rodeo programs at various levels: the Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA) for high school athletes, the Georgia Junior Rodeo Association (GJRA) for younger competitors, the UGA Block and Bridle Club (which runs the Great Southland Stampede) at the college level, and the Birch Mountain program for kids in northern Georgia. Together, these programs create a developmental pipeline from first competition through a professional PRCA card.
Is the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo still running?
Yes, the Hiawassee Pro Rodeo is held annually around Memorial Day weekend in late May at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia. It is a PRCA-sanctioned event in the mountains of North Georgia – one of the most naturally distinctive settings of any rodeo in the Southeast. Check local listing services and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds website for the current year’s dates, as the exact weekend may vary slightly.
Can I volunteer or get involved in Georgia rodeo without competing?
Absolutely. The Great Southland Stampede at UGA actively recruits volunteers through the UGA Block & Bridle Club and welcomes participation from members of the Athens area community. Local rodeos typically rely on volunteers for gate operations, vendor coordination, and audience management. You can get involved in the sport as a parent volunteer through the Georgia High School Rodeo Association, or attend events at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, where community involvement in rodeo and fair events is a long-standing tradition.
Sources & Reference
- Georgia National Rodeo Official Site — georgianationalrodeo.com
- Great Southland Stampede Rodeo History — gssrodeo.org/history
- Great Southland Stampede Rodeo About — gssrodeo.org/about
- 41NBC News — 2025 Georgia National Rodeo Record Attendance, February 28, 2025
- Southeastern Pro Rodeos — Georgia National Rodeo Overview (2025)
- Visit Perry, GA — Georgia National Rodeo 2025
- RodeoTicket.com — Find Georgia Rodeos
- Eventbrite — 51st Great Southland Stampede Rodeo 2026
- UGA Grady Newsource — 50th GSSR Coverage, March 2025
- PRCA Official Site — Southeastern Circuit and World Standings
- PBR Official — Heart of GA Shootout 2026, Perry, GA
- The Georgia Rodeo Official Site — thegeorgiarodeo.com
- Sports Illustrated Rodeo — Georgia National PRCA Rodeo Full Results
- Fresh Take Georgia — Georgia’s National Rodeo, March 2022
- UGA Calendar of Events — Great Southland Stampede
- Visit Athens, GA — Great Southland Stampede Rodeo