WCRA Rodeo Carolina at Tryon International October 6-8
The Richest Rodeo East of the Mississippi Comes to Mill Spring, North Carolina
Rette Solomon For Tryon International
While the world-class arenas and barns of Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International) typically host Hunter-Jumper, Eventing and Dressage competitions, western sports arrive at the venue October 6-8, 2023, for World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WRCA) Rodeo Carolina. The east coast’s best rodeo athletes will vie for a guaranteed payout of over $400,000 over three days of competition, including bareback riding, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
There is plenty to do beyond the rodeo pen, too. Numerous pop-up vendors will be on hand in addition to annual shopping and services found throughout the Tryon International Promenade. With year-round competitions, events, and live music performances hosted at the venue annually, Tryon International offers a host of activities, dining options, and amenities for visitors to enjoy. In addition to equestrian entertainment, guests can visit the nearby Cleghorn Gun Club and the Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club, access Fitness Wide Open gym amenities or participate in guided trail rides. There is no shortage of fun and excitement across Tryon International’s 1,600 acres.
Admission to Tryon International is free, with tickets required for rodeo events. Tickets are available now! Visit www.resort.tryon.com/rodeo to learn more about Rodeo Carolina at Tryon International.
The Triple Crown of Rodeo
In 2022, RC Landingham (Hat Creek, California) made history, becoming the first athlete to win the $1 million bonus after winning the bareback discipline at three consecutive WCRA Major rodeos.
Looking to become the second athlete in history to win the bonus, Issac Diaz (Stephenville, Texas) will ride an incredible wave of momentum into Rodeo Carolina.Diaz, a 36-year-old saddle bronc rider, is fresh off his win at Rodeo Corpus Christi; his second consecutive WCRA Major victory, putting him in contention to become a millionaire this October in North Carolina.
Up to 11 athletes per discipline will go head-to-head in the long rounds (Oct. 6-7), with the Top 8 best runs and rides advancing to the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round on Oct. 8.
Seating and Access
Whether you want to be up close with the action or enjoy VIP amenities, Rodeo Carolina guests have plenty of seating options. With standing room and bleacher access, dirt seating provides the closest view of all events. Dirt seating ticket holders will also be able to access a food and beverage tent, as well as a private beer and wine vending area.
Guests may also purchase a VIP table, with access to the second floor club and seating up to four people. Beer and wine is also included for all VIP table ticket holders. For the true VIP experience at Rodeo Carolina, Ridge VIP tickets provide the total package. With access to the third floor club, guests can enjoy private dining, a temperature controlled viewing area, as well as a bar with wine and beer included.
Covered stadium seating ticket holders will also enjoy great views at Rodeo Carolina. In the covered seating of Tryon’s International Arena, there is no bad seat!
For spectators wanting to experience Rodeo Carolina to the fullest, a three-day ticket package is available. Guests who purchase the three-day ticket package will have access to all evening competitions.
Horse Show Highlights
In addition to rodeo events, all spectators can enjoy the equestrian competition of the Tryon Fall Series. Hunter and Jumper competition will run in multiple arenas from 8am to early afternoon Wednesday, October 4th through Sunday, October 8th. Free and open to the public, spectators can expect to find world-class competition at both the national and international level, featuring some of the world’s best riders - including Olympians - as well as youth divisions. Special events include a $78,000 Grand Prix show jumping class, held at 11AM on Saturday, and a $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic.
From music festivals to comedy nights and holiday celebrations and beyond, there is always something happening at Tryon International. Find the events calendar at www.resort.tryon.com/events.
About WRCA
WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.