Sand and Sage Roundup: A Colorado Rodeo Tradition Returns to Lamar

When August rolls around in southeastern Colorado, the air fills with anticipation as the Sand and Sage Roundup prepares to thunder into Lamar. Set for August 8-9, 2025, at the Prowers County Fairgrounds, this PRCA-sanctioned event promises two days of world-class rodeo action that showcases the very best of western heritage and competitive cowboy spirit.

A Cornerstone of Colorado's Rodeo Circuit

The Sand and Sage Roundup stands as a proud fixture in the Mountain States Circuit, drawing top competitors from across the region who are chasing championship dreams and valuable circuit points. With a substantial $21,000 purse on the line, contestants bring their A-game to this late-summer classic that has become a must-attend stop for serious rodeo athletes.

As the summer rodeo season builds toward its climactic conclusion, the Sand and Sage Roundup offers competitors a critical opportunity to solidify their standings before the circuit finals. For fans, it's a chance to witness the intensity that comes when championships hang in the balance and every second counts.

World-Class Competition Across Seven Events

When the chute gates swing open at the Prowers County Fairgrounds, spectators will be treated to the full complement of PRCA-sanctioned events that define professional rodeo:

Bareback Riding - Perhaps rodeo's most physically demanding event, bareback riders grip nothing but a simple handhold as they match wits and strength with horses bred to buck. Points are awarded for both the rider's technique and the horse's performance in this ultimate test of controlled chaos.

Steer Wrestling - Watch in amazement as cowboys leap from horseback at full gallop, grabbing a running steer by the horns before using strength and leverage to bring the animal to the ground. When mere seconds separate champions from also-rans, this event showcases split-second timing and raw athletic ability.

Team Roping - The only true team event in rodeo pairs a header and heeler in a coordinated effort to rope a steer's horns and hind legs. Success demands perfect communication between partners and their horses, with champions often separated by hundredths of a second.

Saddle Bronc Riding - Considered rodeo's classic event, saddle bronc riding evolved directly from the tasks of working ranch hands. Riders must demonstrate grace and precise spurring technique aboard powerfully bucking horses in what many consider rodeo's most elegant event.

Tie-Down Roping - A showcase of versatile skills, tie-down ropers must catch a calf from horseback, dismount, flank the animal, and secure it with a piggin' string—all while the clock ticks relentlessly. This event highlights the practical ranching skills that gave birth to competitive rodeo.

Barrel Racing - When the ladies of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association take center stage, expect breathtaking speed and precision as horse and rider teams navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. With penalties for knocked-over barrels, the perfect run combines controlled aggression with technical precision.

Bull Riding - The event that often defines rodeo in the public imagination serves as the grand finale each performance. Riders attempt to conquer 2,000 pounds of twisting, spinning bovine athlete for eight seconds with nothing but a flat braided rope for security. It's man versus beast in its most dramatic form.

Beyond the Competition: A Full Western Experience

While championship rodeo action anchors the Sand and Sage Roundup, the event delivers a complete western experience that extends far beyond the arena.

The fairgrounds transform into a celebration of western heritage, complete with vendor markets offering authentic western gear, crafts, and memorabilia. Food vendors serve up everything from classic fair favorites to regional specialties, ensuring no visitor leaves hungry.

Families will find plenty to enjoy with dedicated kids' activities designed to introduce the next generation to rodeo traditions. The carnival midway offers rides and games that have become synonymous with summer fair fun, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the rodeo excitement.

Live music and entertainment between rodeo performances keep the energy high, while livestock exhibits showcase the agricultural foundation that remains central to rodeo's identity. The Sand and Sage Roundup honors its roots while delivering contemporary entertainment that appeals to modern audiences.

Securing Your Spot at the Roundup

As one of the region's premier rodeo events, the Sand and Sage Roundup draws enthusiastic crowds, making advance ticket purchases highly recommended. Tickets for the 2025 event will become available approximately two months before the rodeo, with an expected on-sale date around June 8, 2025.

Rodeo fans can choose from several ticket options to customize their Sand and Sage experience:

Single Performance Tickets - Perfect for those who can only attend one day or want to focus on a specific performance.

Weekend Packages - The ideal choice for dedicated fans who don't want to miss a moment of the action across both days of competition.

VIP Experience - Enhance your rodeo adventure with premium seating and additional amenities that take your experience to the next level.

Family Packages - Special options designed to make bringing the whole family more convenient and accessible.

Group Rates - Special considerations for larger parties attending together, perfect for corporate outings, family reunions, or social organizations.

Special discounts are typically available for military personnel, seniors, and children, making the Sand and Sage Roundup accessible to fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Tickets will be available directly through this website when sales launch, with easy online purchasing that allows fans to select their preferred seating locations. For those who prefer traditional methods, the fairgrounds box office will also handle ticket sales as the event approaches.

Planning Your Rodeo Weekend

Making the most of your Sand and Sage Roundup experience starts with smart planning:

Arrival Timing - Gates typically open 90 minutes before each performance, allowing plenty of time to explore the grounds, visit vendors, and find your seats before the grand entry begins.

Parking - The Prowers County Fairgrounds offers ample parking areas surrounding the venue. Early arrival is recommended for the best spots and easiest access.

Weather Preparedness - August in southeastern Colorado typically brings warm days and mild evenings. Dress in layers, bring sun protection for daytime performances, and consider a light jacket for evening events when temperatures can drop.

What to Bring - Seat cushions can enhance comfort on the grandstand seating, and don't forget cameras to capture the action (though professional photography equipment may be restricted). Cash remains useful for some vendors, though most accept credit cards.

Accessibility - The Prowers County Fairgrounds provides accessible seating areas and facilities for guests with mobility challenges. These specialized seating areas offer excellent views of the arena while accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

A Legacy of Western Excellence

The Sand and Sage Roundup represents more than just a sporting event—it's a living connection to the western heritage that shaped Colorado and the American West. Each performance begins with the stirring grand entry, where the American flag leads a procession of competitors into the arena, setting the tone for an event that honors tradition while showcasing modern athletic excellence.

Local volunteers work year-round to ensure the Roundup's success, demonstrating the community spirit that has kept this event thriving. Their dedication ensures that each year's rodeo builds upon a legacy of western excellence while introducing new generations to the excitement of professional rodeo.

For competitors, the Sand and Sage Roundup represents a critical opportunity on the road to circuit finals and potentially the National Finals Rodeo. For spectators, it offers an authentic western experience that combines sporting excellence with cultural celebration.

When the dust settles after the final bull ride on August 9, 2025, another chapter will be written in the storied history of the Sand and Sage Roundup—a tradition that continues to showcase the best of rodeo in the heart of Colorado.

Mark your calendars now for August 8-9, 2025, and prepare to experience the thrills, spills, and western hospitality that make the Sand and Sage Roundup a highlight of Colorado's rodeo season. When tickets become available in June 2025, secure yours promptly to guarantee your place at this celebration of western heritage and rodeo excellence.