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RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo Moving to Osceola County

PRCA Inks 10-Year Contract with Florida for Championship Event

Colorado Springs, Colo./Osceola County, Fla. – The County Commissioners of Osceola County, Fla., have approved an $11 million-plus contract that will move the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo to Osceola County for the next 10 years and dramatically increase the payoff for the stars of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s circuit system.

In the new agreement, the contestant purse will increase 175 percent from 2014 to 2015, and contestants who compete in Osceola County will for the first time receive a $1,000 cash stipend. PRCA contract personnel and stock contractors who work the RNCFR will receive a 50 percent raise, and each of the 12 PRCA RAM circuit finals rodeos will be awarded a $10,000 sponsorship each year from Osceola County.

ramncfThe contract between the PRCA and Osceola County, which was signed May 19, will move the PRCA circuit system’s showcase event to Florida for a four-day, five-performance event which will feature the talents of each PRCA circuit’s year-end champions and the event winners at each of the 12 RAM-sponsored circuit finals rodeos. The RNCFR will move to Osceola County, where circuit standouts will compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes, including buckles, saddles, RAM Truck vehicle vouchers and the coveted national circuit champion titles. The 2015 RNCFR will be held March 25-28 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla.

“This is going to be fantastic for fans and the community. The PRCA recognizes that Osceola County and Central Florida are a great rodeo market,” said Osceola Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. “Osceola County’s efforts to bring the (Wrangler) National Finals Rodeo here earlier this year set the stage for this deal. We’re excited about hosting competitors with such amazing talent at one of the most prestigious rodeos in the sport’s history.

“With the county’s rodeo heritage and Central Florida’s nearly 60 million visitors a year, we are the perfect location for this event. We have the expertise to grow the fan base and draw awareness to such an exciting sport. It is also a tribute to all our partners in the community, who helped us showcase Osceola County and Central Florida to the PRCA. This event will enhance our reputation as a rodeo-friendly community. We have amazing rodeo fans and at the same time it will clearly show rodeo fans from around the country that we are a premier destination for them.”

The RNCFR, held in Oklahoma the last four years, is one of the richest rodeos in the world.
“First, the PRCA owes a debt of gratitude to our friends in Oklahoma,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “Between Mr. Bob Funk and the good folks at the Lazy E Arena, they helped grow this event into one that has obviously become desirable to other communities.

“Central Florida, and specifically Osceola County, has a long-standing and rich rodeo heritage. The commissioners and county leaders are first-class people, and have proven so time and time again. We are very excited for this opportunity and their assistance in advancing the PRCA and gaining recognition and additional opportunities for all our members.”

Osceola County will work with the PRCA through Experience Kissimmee to market the RNCFR in its new home.

“Being a native of southern Florida, it’s exciting for this event to come here,” said PRCA Board member Troy Weekley. “On behalf of myself and the rest of the PRCA Board of Directors, we are very appreciative of Osceola County for hosting this outstanding rodeo.”

Every segment of the rodeo business is excited about the future of the RNCFR in Florida, including the event’s headline sponsor.

“RAM has been a long-time supporter and title sponsor of the PRCA circuit system,” said RAM Rodeo CEO Mike Orman. “We are optimistic that moving the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo to Osceola County, and what they are committed to investing in the event, will continue to grow the circuit program and bring new fans to this world-class, championship event.”

RNFCR Events
Bareback Riding
Steer Wrestling
Team Roping
Saddle Bronc Riding
Tie-down Roping
Barrel Racing
Bull Riding

About the RNCFR: The RNCFR format features the top 24 contestants, two from each of the 12 PRCA circuits, who compete in two go-rounds. The top eight cumulative times or scores advance to the semifinals. The top four from the semifinals advance to the finals, and the national champions are crowned sudden-death style based on the top scores and times in the finals.

About the PRCA: The PRCA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the largest and oldest professional rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in ProRodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards. The PRCA, a membership-based organization, sanctions approximately 600 rodeos annually, and there are more than 30 million fans in the U.S. The PRCA showcases the world’s best cowboys by televising the sport’s premier events, including the Wrangler Champions Challenge and the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on CBS Sports Net (DISH channel 158, DirecTV channel 221). The Justin Boots Playoffs and Championships, Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, All American ProRodeo Finals, and the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour will be aired on MAV-TV (DISH channel 248, DirecTV channel 214). PRCA-sanctioned rodeos raise more than $26 million for local and national charities. For comprehensive coverage of the cowboy sport, read the ProRodeo Sports News, the official publication of the PRCA, and for daily updates of news and results visit the PRCA’s official website, www.prorodeo.com.

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