Although the novel coronavirus caused its cancellation in 2020, the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) is returning to Casper this summer. The event will be held June 13-19 at the Ford Wyoming Center.

“Last year was tough for so many, including the rodeo community, and we were devastated to cancel CNFR,” said Roger Walters, commissioner for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). “This year CNFR — and our student athletes, coaches, parents, fans and supporters — is returning and we cannot wait to see this event back in Casper.”

Each year, CNFR welcomes 400 of the top collegiate rodeo athletes to compete in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying. To qualify for CNFR, competitors must rank in the top three for their event, while the top two men’s and women’s teams from NIRA’s 11 regions also qualify.

Northwest College’s cowboys and cowgirls are among those who compete for slots at the CNFR. 

Individual tickets go on sale May 7 at www.FordWyomingCenter.com.

“CNFR and Casper go hand-in-hand,” said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Casper. “It really is the best of the best in college rodeo and we’re so thrilled to have this event and all of its competitors return to Casper this June.”

The largest event center in Wyoming, Ford Wyoming Center — formerly known as the Casper Events Center — has hosted the CNFR since 2001. With comprehensive cleaning standards, increased sanitization, plenty of space and an HVAC system that cycles the air six times each hour (completely renovating current airflow and replacing it with fresh air), Ford Wyoming Center officials say they’re ready to host CNFR as safely as possible.  

For more information about the College National Finals Rodeo, visit www.CNFR.com.