Rodeo Austin: Preview, Format, and How to Watch

Rodeo Austin began back in 1938 as a stock show featuring just 16 animals. It has since evolved into one of the most popular rodeos of the year and a vital part of the Texas Swing. This year athletes will compete for their share of over $350,000.

FORMAT

Athletes will have two rides and runs across all events to determine who advances to the Final performance on March, 23. There will be eight athletes in each event who advance to the Finals based on their aggregate score and time.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Bareback Riding

All the big names will compete in the bareback riding in Austin. The name to watch is Rocker Steiner who has already won Fort Worth, and San Antonio and is competing in Houston this week as well. Steiner is slated to ride on Performance 9 next Sunday. The names to watch on opening night are Cole Franks and Dean Thompson.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle bronc riding will be the event to watch on Sunday, March 10 with 2023 World Champion Zeke Thruston highlighting the field. Thurston will compete against Dawson Hay, Layton Green, Rusty Wright, and others,

Bull Riding

Clayton Sellars is making a statement early in 2024 and he looks to continue to do so at Rodeo Austin. Sellars is slated to take his first ride on Monday night. He has already made $73,000 this season and is comfortably in first place in the PRCA World Standings.

Steer Wrestling

A year ago, Stan Branco’s season got the kickstart he needed in Austin after winning the rodeo and the more than $10,000 that came along with it. Branco looks to defend his Austin title starting on Monday in performance 3 in Austin. Branco will compete against Dirk Tavenner, Eli Lord, Stetson Jorgensen, Dirk Tavenner, and more on Monday.

Team Roping

The defending champs Jeff Flenniken and Tyler Worley are no longer roping together, but each will have a chance at repeating their title in Austin. Tyler Worley, who now ropes with Brye Crites, will rope for the first time on Wednesday night in Performance 5 and again the following night in Performance 6. Flenniken will rope in the final two performances of the Opening Round with partner Jake Minor.

Tie-Down Roping

The last two performances of the Opening Round are the ones to watch in tie-down roping. You have the 2023 World Champion Riley Webb competing against current World No. 1 Shad Mayfield, who is putting together one of the best early season stretches we have ever seen.

HOW TO WATCH AND BROADCAST SCHEDULE

You can watch every performance LIVE on The Cowboy Channel+ App, while some performances will air following RodeoHouston. Below you will see what time each performance airs on The Cowboy channel. A full broadcast schedule click HERE.