By Brett Hoffman
San Angelo Standard-Times
In the world of professional rodeo, fans and competitors will witness significant changes throughout 2011.
They range from a new site for one of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s larger postseason shows to a new TV contract.
The changes:
* The PRCA will broadcast the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and some other high profile shows on Great American Country.
For many years, the Las Vegas-based National Finals has been broadcast on the ESPN channels. But through the years, PRCA organizers and fans have became concerned about tape delays and tight time slots. In addition to featuring all 10 rounds of the 2011 NFR in December, GAC will also produce and broadcast pre- and post-rodeo programming to give fans added perspective on the championship event.
GAC will also televise the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, the Justin Boots Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., the Justin Boots Championships in Omaha, Neb., and the All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco.
* The PRCA’s Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo will be conducted in Oklahoma City after campaigning in Pocatello, Idaho, for almost a quarter century.
The DNCFR is scheduled for March 31 through April 3, at the Oklahoma State Fair Arena, and will offer $525,000 in prize money. The rodeo is the showcase event for competitors who thrive on competing close to home. The championships will feature competitors from 12 geographic regions within the United States.
The DNCFR was in Pocatello from 1987 through 2010. In 2011, the Pocatello committee will host a sizable regular-season PRCA rodeo on April 6-9.
* The earnings at RodeoHouston (March 1-19) will not count toward a PRCA world title.
For decades, the Houston rodeo has been one of the PRCA’s highest-paying shows. Four years ago, it clearly became the association’s highest-paying regular-season rodeo when organizers opted to offer $50,000 to each event winner during the final round. After competing in preliminary rounds and the final, a Houston champion would usually pocket around $55,000 and earnings would count toward world title races.
But in 2011, the famous Houston rodeo will not be sanctioned by the PRCA. However, RodeoHouston is expected to attract many high profile PRCA competitors who will vie for a share of its $1.5 million purse.
Another interesting twist: the barrel racing segment of the Houston rodeo will be approved by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and earnings will count toward qualifying for the Las Vegas NFR.
* As he attempts to win a record ninth world all-around title, Trevor Brazile is expected to become the PRCA’s first $4 million cowboy.
According to the PRCA, the roping superstar from Decatur is $90,418 away. He’s expected to reach the milestone sometime during the summer if he keeps his normal pace.