In early January 2024, Guthrie, Oklahoma, will make history in Western sports as the 10 Richest Days of Rodeo in Oklahoma rides into the Lazy E Arena. The WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo series, The Stampede at the E, Presented by Purple Wave Auction, will kick off the western sports extravaganza January 3-6, followed by the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) Presented by Love’s on January 11-14. During these events, top professional cowboys and cowgirls from around the country will compete for nearly $1 Million over the course of 10 thrilling days, bringing edge-of-the-seat action to Guthrie.
The WCRA Stampede at The E will host over 300 athletes competing in one of the most exciting live sporting events to witness, going head-to-head in the nine major disciplines of rodeo. A collective $400,000 will be on the line, with $42,000 being paid out in each discipline and each event champion, leaving Guthrie with a minimum of $15,000.
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The event will be the first of four Major rodeos comprising the 2024 WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo Presented by Lazy E Arena and Ranches. Should the victor in any discipline at the Stampede at The E also take the top spot on the podium at the subsequent two WCRA Majors, the athlete will be eligible to win an additional $1 million cash bonus. The Lazy E Arena last hosted the Triple Crown of Rodeo in 2020, during the inaugural Stampede at The E.
In 2020, WCRA title holder and Medford, Oklahoma Native Michelle Darling (Medford, Oklahoma) captured her second consecutive WCRA title, propelling the 39-year-old nurse and mom of three to the top 15 richest athletes in the WCRA. Darling is the only athlete in WCRA history to win two barrel racing championships.
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Fellow Oklahoman Stockton Graves (Alva, Oklahoma) also joined Darling in the winner’s circle. The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Head Coach notched his second WCRA victory at the 2020 Stampede at The E. Graves is one of the two steer wrestlers to win two championships and is the highest earning in WCRA history.
The momentum will continue in the Sooner State when the IPRA (International Pro Rodeo Association) looks to crown ten new world champions during the 2024 IFR January 11-14. The top 15 from the IPRA world standings will compete in four rounds of competition in route to the world title.
Athletes from Canada and the US competed since January 2023 to qualify for the world finals event, which will award a record-breaking half million dollars in 2024.
One of rodeo’s longest traditions, the 54th edition of the IFR hosts a western trade show and transforms the concourse of the Lazy E Arena into a shopper’s paradise. The event will also host the 2024 Miss Rodeo USA ceremony and pageant.
Single-day tickets for the 2024 10 Richest Days of Rodeo are on sale now and start at $20 for adults and $10 for kids plus fees. Tickets can be purchased online at lazyearena.com, WCRArodeo.com, and IPRArodeo.com, at the Lazy E Arena Box Office or by calling the lazy E Arena at (405) 282-3004.
About WCRA
WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.
About IPRA
The IPRA will crown its world champions during IFR events in January. A western trade show transforms the concourse surrounding the Lazy E Arena into a shopper’s paradise. The Annual Bucking Stock Sale adds extra excitement during the week as prime bucking stock is shown and auctioned. Contract act performers also have a chance to showcase their talents before stock contractors and rodeo committees during the Contract Acts Showcase. The IPRA also holds their annual convention during IFR week. A full schedule of meetings and seminars are held for rodeo committee members and personnel. A Senior Pro Rodeo Judges clinic hones the rodeo judge’s skills and knowledge of the events. Miss Rodeo USA contestants also have a full schedule during the IFR. The ladies are judged in various areas before the new queen is crowned during the fourth performance of the IFR.
