TRYON, N.C. – This October, the WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) will bring the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi – Rodeo Carolina – back to the Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International, TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Rodeo Carolina will take place from Oct. 3-5. During which, dozens of accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for their share of the $400,000 purse and a shot at qualifying for the first spot in each discipline at the 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo. Located in a region with deep roots in Western Sports, the inaugural event in 2023 featured 39 competitors from the Carolinas.

Tickets for Rodeo Carolina are on sale now and start at $20, taxes and fees not included. They can be purchased at the Tryon International Box Office or online at tryon.com, PBR.com and wcrarodeo.com.

Rodeo Carolina is held at one of the most renowned venues across WCRA’s 2024 schedule. Tryon International is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living and an active lifestyle. TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines as well as world-class entertainment. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, North Carolina, the competition experience is complemented by a variety of onsite restaurants and shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment and more.

Rodeo Carolina will mark the third event in the WCRA Major Rodeo trilogy. WCRA Major Rodeos not only feature increased prize purses but also afford athletes the opportunity to earn a spot at the 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo.

The most recent WCRA Major was held in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Mid-May. Rodeo Corpus Christi fielded the WCRA team – Free Riders – that delivered a blistering performance at the first-ever, $1 million Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo. After the WCRA team won an unprecedented three gold medals in the opening round, they clinched the first-ever team rodeo victory when they won four disciplines in the championship round. In addition to being crowned Champions, the WCRA team also earned the $500,000 winner’s payout.

Rodeo Carolina, the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi, will begin on October 3, showcasing more than 200 athletes competing in each of the nine rodeo disciplines: bareback riding, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. A collective $400,000 will be on the line, with each champion leaving North Carolina with a minimum $15,000.

This landmark event will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. CT from Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5. Up to 11 athletes per discipline will go head-to-head in the long rounds (Oct. 3-4), with the Top 8 best runs and rides advancing to the Championship Round on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Since launching in May of 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $18.2 million in new money to rodeo athletes. All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA should be directed to wcrarodeo.com.

Photo courtesy of WCRA