Colorado Stampede Breakaway: A Celebration of Western Heritage and Women's Rodeo Excellence
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association proudly presents the 2025 Colorado Stampede Breakaway, showcasing the thrilling sport of breakaway roping and celebrating the rising stars of women's rodeo.
Where Tradition Meets Modern Competition
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of western action as the Colorado Stampede Breakaway rides into Grand Junction, Colorado, from May 23-25, 2025. The Mesa County Fairgrounds will transform into the epicenter of rodeo excitement, bringing together top-tier talent, family entertainment, and the rich traditions of the American West.
This three-day extravaganza isn't just another stop on the rodeo circuit—it's a showcase of the rapidly growing sport of breakaway roping and a testament to the skill and determination of the women who have made this event one of the most anticipated on the Mountain States Circuit calendar.
The Rising Star of Rodeo: Breakaway Roping
For those new to the rodeo world, breakaway roping represents one of the fastest-growing events in professional rodeo. A display of precision, timing, and horsemanship, breakaway roping challenges competitors to rope a calf from horseback with lightning-fast reflexes. Unlike tie-down roping, the rope is tied to the saddle horn with a string that breaks away when the calf is caught, stopping the clock.
What makes this event particularly exciting is the combination of speed and skill—top competitors can complete a successful run in mere seconds. The Colorado Stampede Breakaway will feature some of the most talented ropers from across the Mountain States Circuit and beyond, all vying for their share of the $4,000 purse and valuable circuit points.
Spectators will witness the perfect blend of horse and rider working in seamless coordination—the thundering hooves, the precision of the throw, and the satisfying snap of the breakaway string that signals a successful run. It's an event that showcases generations of western heritage distilled into seconds of pure adrenaline.
Beyond Breakaway: A Full Rodeo Experience
While breakaway roping takes center stage, the Colorado Stampede offers a comprehensive rodeo experience that honors multiple disciplines of western sport. Attendees can expect exhibition performances showcasing barrel racing, with cowgirls and their equine partners navigating the cloverleaf pattern at breathtaking speeds.
The arena will come alive with the pageantry and excitement that only rodeo can deliver—from the grand entry's colorful procession to the heart-stopping moments of competition that have defined western sports for generations. Between events, rodeo clowns and entertainers will keep the energy high and the smiles wide, ensuring there's never a dull moment throughout the performance.
A Community Celebration
The Colorado Stampede Breakaway represents more than just competition—it's a celebration of community and western heritage that brings together people from all walks of life. The event serves as a showcase for local businesses, artisans, and food vendors who will line the concourse of the Mesa County Fairgrounds.
Visitors can browse western wear, handcrafted jewelry, custom leather goods, and authentic western art while sampling regional culinary delights. From smoky barbecue to sweet kettle corn, the aromas alone are worth the price of admission.
Families will find plenty to enjoy beyond the arena action. The fairgrounds will feature a dedicated kids' zone with activities designed to introduce the next generation to rodeo traditions. Young buckaroos can try their hand at dummy roping, enjoy pony rides, or visit the petting zoo featuring friendly farm animals ready to meet their newest fans.
Supporting the Future of Women's Rodeo
The Colorado Stampede Breakaway stands as a testament to the growing prominence of women in professional rodeo. By spotlighting breakaway roping—an event that has seen exponential growth in recent years—the rodeo plays an important role in expanding opportunities for female competitors in western sports.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will support youth rodeo programs throughout Colorado, ensuring that the traditions and skills of rodeo continue to be passed down to future generations. By attending, spectators aren't just witnessing world-class competition—they're helping to secure the future of this uniquely American sport.
The Perfect Western Weekend
Grand Junction provides the ideal backdrop for this celebration of western heritage. Nestled in the heart of Colorado's Western Slope, the city offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mesas and mountains. Visitors from out of town will find the area rich with opportunities for outdoor adventure, from hiking the nearby Colorado National Monument to exploring the wineries and orchards that dot the fertile valley.
The timing of the Colorado Stampede Breakaway—Memorial Day weekend—makes it the perfect kickoff to summer. The late May weather typically offers warm days and cool evenings, ideal conditions for both competitors and spectators to enjoy the outdoor festivities.
Secure Your Seat for the Action
The 2025 Colorado Stampede Breakaway promises to be one of the most exciting rodeo events of the year, and securing your tickets early is highly recommended. Tickets will go on sale March 23, 2025, and will be available for purchase directly through this website.
Several ticket options will be available to suit every preference and budget. General admission provides access to the bleacher seating surrounding the arena, while reserved seating offers guaranteed spots closer to the action. For those seeking a premium experience, VIP packages will include special amenities and exclusive access areas.
Family packages will make it affordable to bring the whole crew, while special rates for seniors and military personnel honor those who have served our communities and country. Accessibility seating ensures that everyone can enjoy the rodeo experience comfortably.
The arena at Mesa County Fairgrounds offers excellent sightlines from virtually every seat, ensuring that spectators won't miss a moment of the fast-paced action. Early arrival is recommended to explore the vendor areas, enjoy the pre-show entertainment, and find the perfect spot to witness the excitement.
A Weekend Schedule Packed with Action
The Colorado Stampede Breakaway will feature performances each day of the three-day weekend:
Friday, May 23, 2025
Evening Performance: Gates open at 5:00 PM with the main rodeo action beginning at 7:00 PM. The opening night will feature the first round of breakaway roping competition along with special exhibition events and western entertainment.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Matinee Performance: Gates open at 11:00 AM with competition beginning at 1:00 PM. The afternoon showcases the second round of breakaway roping along with additional western sports demonstrations.
Evening Performance: Gates open at 5:00 PM with the main rodeo beginning at 7:00 PM. Saturday night traditionally brings the largest crowds and most electric atmosphere of the weekend.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Championship Sunday: Gates open at 12:00 PM with the finals beginning at 2:00 PM. The weekend culminates with the championship round where the top performers from the previous days compete for the title and the largest share of the prize money.
Community Impact and Economic Boost
The Colorado Stampede Breakaway represents more than just three days of competition—it delivers significant economic benefits to Grand Junction and the surrounding communities. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses all see increased traffic during rodeo weekend, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the regional economy.
Visitors from across Colorado and neighboring states make the journey to Grand Junction specifically for this event, discovering the charm of this western Colorado gem in the process. Many turn the rodeo into a long weekend of exploration, visiting local attractions and supporting area businesses.
The Mesa County Fairgrounds itself will be transformed for the occasion, with the rodeo grounds becoming a temporary marketplace for western goods and services. Local artisans and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to showcase their wares to thousands of visitors, creating connections that often extend well beyond the weekend.
Join the Tradition
The 2025 Colorado Stampede Breakaway continues a proud tradition of rodeo excellence in the Mountain States Circuit. As a PRCA-sanctioned event, it upholds the highest standards of animal welfare, competitor safety, and professional presentation that have made rodeo an enduring symbol of American western heritage.
Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or experiencing your first western sports event, the Colorado Stampede Breakaway offers something for everyone. It's more than competition—it's a cultural celebration that connects us to our shared western heritage while showcasing the evolving face of modern rodeo.
When the gates swing open on May 23, 2025, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, you'll want to be there to witness the skill, courage, and determination that define this uniquely American sport. The dust will fly, the crowd will roar, and memories will be made that last long after the final competitor leaves the arena.
Mark your calendars now for ticket sales beginning March 23, 2025, and prepare to experience the thrill, tradition, and community spirit of the Colorado Stampede Breakaway. It's more than a rodeo—it's a celebration of everything that makes the American West special.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to sanction the 2025 Colorado Stampede Breakaway as part of our commitment to preserving western heritage and promoting excellence in rodeo competition.