Saddle Up for University of Montana Spring Rodeo at Fairgrounds

Like we can count on extended weather forecasts around here, right? But, let's hope for accuracy, as it sounds like pretty good rodeo weather.

As it stands right now, mostly dry conditions with highs in the mid-60s are expected to greet University of Montana rodeo fans, when the Griz host their annual Spring Rodeo, Friday and Saturday, April 28-29, at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Your UM rodeo team and seven other teams in the Big Sky Region promise a great show. Lots of fired up bucking stock, calves, steers, bulls, goats, horses and rodeo athletes to keep you entertained!

Rodeo action gets underway at 7:00 both evenings. Be sure to come early, as food will be available at the 4-H food booth featuring burgers and street tacos. The Beer Garden will be open, and Monte, the UM mascot, and every cowgirl's and cowboy’s favorite helpful bear, will be on hand Saturday night.

Griz Rodeo hats will be available for $20.

THE "REGION"

The University of Montana competes in the Big Sky Region, which includes teams from UM-Western, Montana State University, MSU-Northern, Miles Community College, Dawson Community College, Carrol College, Montana Tech, University of Great Falls, Little Big Horn College, Blackfoot Community College and Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming.

THE GRIZ TEAM

The men compete in six events: tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, bareback, and saddle bronc riding. The women compete in four events: barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, and team roping. The majority of team members come from the ranks of high school rodeo in Montana. However, the team has also drawn outstanding student-athletes from nearby western states such as Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada, and from as far away as New York and South Carolina.

TICKET PRICING/AVAILABILITY

Tickets to the UM Spring Rodeo will be available at the Missoula Fairgrounds grandstand entrance starting at 6:00 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $15 each for adults, $10 for students, and kids age 6 and under are admitted free.