By North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Hall of Fame PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo is set to return to North Platte from June 18 through June 21, bringing four nights of high-level rodeo action — and a few key changes fans need to know.
This year, the rodeo will start at 7:30 p.m. each night, a shift from the long-standing 8:00 p.m. tradition. Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee members Justin Thompson and Levi Fisher told Derek Beck of the North Platte Post that the earlier start is aimed at making the event more convenient and family-friendly.
“Pushing the start time up just a bit helps get folks home earlier and might help us avoid some of that late-night weather,” Thompson said. “We don’t like to talk about rain, but you know it can happen.”
The rodeo, a staple of Nebraskan tradition and part of Nebraskaland Days, is also upping the stakes in 2025. This year, the added purse money has increased from $6,000 to $10,000 per event, a significant jump aimed at attracting top-tier talent.
“That’s one of the biggest changes,” said Fisher. “It helps bring in some of the bigger names and just elevates the overall competition.”
Cowboys and cowgirls participating in the PRCA-sanctioned event are already taking note. While the exact performance schedules for top-ranked athletes aren’t set, fans can expect to see nationally known names like Stetson Wright, Coleman Proctor, and Rocker Steiner throughout the week.
“Every night is going to have someone in the top five or top 10,” Thompson said. “There’s no bad night at this rodeo.”
While Saturday night sold out last year, Fisher encouraged fans to take advantage of Wednesday and Thursday nights, which often feature high-caliber performances as athletes route through multiple national events.
“If you're looking for great competition without the weekend crowds, Wednesday and Thursday are hidden gems,” he said.
For early risers and die-hard rodeo fans, slack events begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, offering even more opportunities to see top-tier rodeo action.
Tickets for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo are on sale now. For more information, visit www.nebraskalanddays.com.
