Despite the perils of 2020 that brought a pandemic-induced rescheduling, an economic crisis and an election, the USTRC hosted its largest National Finals in history, boasting 6,400 teams and 2,200 individual ropers.
The event is back for its 32nd rendition in 2021 with its regularly scheduled spring dates, April 26–May 2, at its new home in Fort Worth, Texas—complete with a $10,000 added Gold Buckle Beer USTRC Open, Yeti Jr. Open, #9.5 Ram Truck Roping, age-protected specialty ropings and big-money shootouts across all divisions.
IMPROVEMENTS
The 2021 edition of the USTRC’s Cinch National Finals will offer an expanded schedule, allowing for shorter days in the arena and more time to enjoy Fort Worth’s offerings.
“We added a half day on the front end and a day on the back end to spread the schedule out to prevent so many late nights,” said USTRC President of Team Roping Events Ty Yost.
While the 2020 event shared the Will Rogers Memorial Center with another equine competition, this year the USTRC has the entire facility—including all of its parking and stalls—at its disposal.
“After getting into that facility, we figured out how the parking, stalls and arena flow really should go,” Yost said. “And now we have the Watt Arena, too, so we’ll have more stalls, more parking and more space to utilize. Nowhere else can a family rope for the sort of return on investment we see at the USTRC’s Cinch National Finals.”
ON THE GROUNDS
Some 50 vendors—including sponsors NRS, Cinch, Horsepower Boots, NRS Trailers, Priefert, Resistol and Classic Equine—will offer an all-inclusive shopping experience connected to the John Justin Arena. Ram will have trucks on site, and other vendors include clothing boutiques, custom bit makers, saddle companies and more, with trade show hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other vendors will have trailers set up outside the John Justin for added shopping.
Across the parking lot, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is open to the public, with exhibits including Cowgirls and Wild West Shows, the Anne W. Marion Gallery and the Kit Moncrief Galleries, and the It’s Never Just a Horse™ exhibition (cowgirl.net).
IN THE STOCKYARDS
The Fort Worth Stockyards are open for business, with a cattle drive through the brick streets at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
“As a cattle person, you’ll be even more amazed that these drovers can parade these 20 longhorns down the street every single day, twice a day,” said Pam Minick, Fort Worth local, Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee and Cowboy Channel personality. “It will make you proud that we can convey our Western heritage this way to people from China, Japan, Italy and everywhere else.”
All the shops in the Stockyards are open, including the newly renovated Mule Alley—home to many Western industry brands and associations. (mulealleyfortworth.com).
Billy Bob’s Texas—the iconic Texas watering hole and steakhouse—will play host to five Miranda Lambert shows April 22–24 and May 1–2 (billybobstexas.com).
Other popular eateries? H3 Ranch is a favorite for its atmosphere and steaks (h3ranch.com), and Joe T. Garcia’s is tops for Tex-Mex cuisine with plenty of seating (joetgarcias.com).
