(Editor's note: Home of Champions Rodeo media release)
RED LODGE -- Over the past nine decades, the Home of Champions Rodeo has survived rain, snow, wind, lightning and hail, but COVID-19 has pulled all its guns on us. By a majority vote on Monday evening, the Home of Champions Rodeo Committee decided at a special meeting to cancel their rodeo this year. Notifications to PRCA, along with our contractors, vendors, sponsors, athletes, and so many more will happen this week.
The rodeo association president, directors, and ticket team have worked tirelessly over the last month to look at the rodeo situation from all angles, including the feasibility of having a fan-less event. Our team looked at the pulse from the community businesses through meetings with the Carbon County Economic Recovery Task Force, fellow rodeo associations, contractors, sponsors, Carbon County Commissioners, and the Carbon County Health Board. At every turn, we were shot down in one way or another. With heavy hearts, we had to make a tough decision. These are unprecedented times, calling for difficult decisions to be made, often resulting in significant sacrifice.
With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic along with recommendations from our county health board, state and national government agencies, we have had to make sacrifices in an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus, as well as to protect the safety of our volunteers, athletes, and fans. Our western heritage and spirit still shines through this event. Pull your hat down and set your spurs for Summer 2021.
In light of the current circumstances, we have updated our REFUND Policy. We are offering the following choices for the 2020 ticket purchases.
- Credit for the 2021 year. Ticket buyers may receive credit for the 2021 season. The 2020 ticket payment will be held and applied toward ticket purchases in 2021 once tickets go on sale.
- Donate all or part of your ticket payment to help ensure the future of the Home of Champions legacy of western heritage, rooted deep in farming and ranching, can continue for years to come. Donations are tax deductible.
- Refund your tickets through the Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce or through our official website. Refunds are for the face value of the ticket.
Please fill out the form to process your claim by July 1, 2020. If you have questions about your tickets, please e-mail rlachamber@gmail.com or call (406) 446-1718. We will get back to you as quickly as possible. The best option is to fill out the form, so your request can be processed. Please understand that we are also practicing social distancing and have limited hours of operation through this time. We request you complete the application before July 1, 2020. Any tickets outstanding after that date will be considered a donation.
