Cal Poly’s 82nd Annual Poly Royal Rodeo will be at capacity after all three of the highly anticipated rodeo events “sold out in less than an hour,” after going on sale on Feb. 19.
“General admission seating for the Friday and Saturday events is 1,500,” CAFES Director of Communication AnnMarie Cornejo said. “The Wednesday student event is a bit larger, at 2,000 general admission seats.”
Unfortunately for students hoping for the release of additional tickets, no more general sale tickets will be made available, according to Cornejo. However, there is still an opportunity for students to see these rodeo athletes in action.
Sponsor packages are still available and tickets are available by purchasing a sponsorship. Those interested can contact the Poly Royal Sponsorship Manager Heather Hellman at hhellman@mustangssportsproperties.com.
“The public is welcome to attend slack events both Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., as rodeo athletes compete for a chance to qualify for the Poly Royal finals. This is free admission, with no tickets needed,” she said.
In slack events, student-athletes compete in event categories to qualify for final events, she said.
The four-day event lasts from April 10 to April 13.
Those who attend the rodeos will see competitions like breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronco riding, bareback riding and bull riding.
Agricultural communications sophomore Skylar Alves is on the rodeo team and participates in barrel racing and breakaway roping, winning at Poly Royal last year for barrel racing.
‘I’m so excited, it’s always an incredibly well planned, well thought out event,” Alves said.
The rodeo kicks off with the ASI Student Night Rodeo Showcase, a student-exclusive event followed by a concert. Tickets were offered at a reduced price of $25, with Corral VIP tickets at $75. ASI has yet to announce the performer.
On April 11, the Alumni Roping event is followed by the Poly Royal Banquet in the evening, with a silent auction, dinner, apparel sale and live music.
The first Poly Royal Rodeo Performance will be on April 12, when student-athletes compete to earn their spot in the finals. A live DJ and line dancing experience will follow the rodeo.
On April 13, the athletes will compete for the Poly Royal buckles in the Poly Royal Rodeo Finals. Country artist Clayton Lee will perform in the final concert of the weekend.
The Poly Royal team said they are working to make all necessary preparations as these events approach.
“The rodeo event team has secured vendors, established and implemented a marketing and communications plan, developed a VIP experience and completed in-arena programming,” Cornejo said. “Planning will continue right up until event day.”
Planning the rodeo “takes a village,” she added.
Although the Poly Royal Rodeo is an annual Cal Poly tradition, it is not without backlash. Last year, a horse was euthanized after suffering a paralyzing spinal injury, raising concerns from animal rights activists about the use of animals for entertainment.
In response to how Poly Royal will be ensuring the safety of animals in this year’s events, Cornejo said, “Cal Poly insists on the humane and ethical treatment of any animals used on campus or by affiliated entities. Cal Poly recognizes its responsibilities to ensure that animals are well cared for, and therefore adheres to all applicable federal, state, local and institutional laws or guidelines governing animal welfare.”
Cornejo said Cal Poly has a staff of veterinarians throughout the year to give medical attention to all their animals.
Correction: This article was corrected to remove incorrect information regarding event dates and locations.