GARY HARDT MEMORIAL RODEO

During its earliest years, Payson's Spring Rodeo was part of the National Old-Timers Rodeo Association, now known as the Senior Pro Rodeo Tour. In 1987 it became the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo to honor the memory of the Payson native who died in 1987. Hardt was a well-known roper. He was recognized throughout the Southwest for his bull riding and roping talents. His rodeo career began in 1962 at the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo in Payson.

As a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association, Hardt rode bulls for about 20 years. During the last 10 years of his work in rodeo, he became a well-established roper as well. This memorial event benefits local youth with educational and athletic achievements.

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RODEO EVENTS

RODEO SCHEDULE

THURSDAY - May 16, 2024 - WOMEN'S CACTUS SERIES BARREL RACING

Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 6 PM Admission (1) can of food

For more information or to enter this event, please contact Nancy Jane at 520-975-6325 or email at saltriverrodeocompany@gmail.com as this is not a Payson Pro Rodeo event. Please do not contact Nancy Jane for PRCA events for Friday and Saturday. Friday and Saturday PRCA Rodeo is operated by the Payson Pro Rodeo.

Mutton Bustin' will open the Monday following St. Patrick's Day. For Mutton Bustin' please contact Chapman Auto at 928-474-5261. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM - 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM - 5 PM.

Questions about the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo, contact us here.

FRIDAY NIGHT - May 17, 2024 - PERFORMANCE

Tough Enough To Wear Pink - Wear your pink shirts to support breast cancer awareness Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 7 PM

Proceeds to benefit local breast cancer awareness programs

Parking is $10.00 cash per vehicle payable upon entry to the Payson Event Center. Parking is limited and subject to availability. Overflow parking is available across the highway at the Casino. Drop off for handicap is available. Please mention this to the parking attendants and they will direct you. As with any venue, handicap parking is limited.

Tickets are subject to availability and may not be available for purchase at the gates. It is always advisable to purchase online.

Various food and merchandise vendors are available at the rodeo grounds. Adult beverages are available for purchase from the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee. Must be 21 and older and comply with the Arizona Liquor Laws. No beverages including water bottles are allowed in or out of the gates. (ARS Title 4 Liquor Law)

SATURDAY NIGHT - May 18, 2024 - PERFORMANCE

Special Patriot Performance

Gates open @ 5 PM Performance @ 7PM Active Military receive free admission

You will see a full PRCA Rodeo with the following events:

Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bullriding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrell Racing, Women's Breakaway, Mutton Bustin' and Jr. Steer Riding. We do not know the times for each of the events as it depends on the amount of contestants entered.

Tickets are subject to availability and may not be available for sale at the gate. It is always advisable to purchase online. General admissions seat are not guaranteed.

A FEW IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WHAT EVENTS WILL I SEE AT THE RODEO?

Bullriding, Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc, Women's Breakaway, Barrel Racing, Mutton Bustin and more.
PARKING

$10.00 cash per vehicle payable upon entry to the Payson Event Center. Parking is limited and subject to availability. Overflow parking is available across the highway at the Casino. Drop off for handicap is available. Please mention this to the parking attendants and they will direct you. As with any venue, handicap parking is limited.
SUBJECT TO SEARCH

Guests with babies carrying a diaper bag will be required to have their bag thoroughly inspected by security before entrance will be permitted. Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment will be required to have their bag thoroughly inspected by security before entrance will be permitted.
VENDOR INFORMATION

For vendor information, please click here.
STROLLERS

No strollers in the bleachers. Stroller parking areas are provided below the bleachers.
PETS

No pets allowed unless it is an ADA service animal.
ALCHOHOL RESTRICTIONS

No liquor/liquids in or out of the rodeo grounds, this includes water bottles. These items can be purchased at the rodeo grounds.
CANOPIES & UMBRELLAS

No canopies or oversized umbrellas allowed in the stadium seating during performance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

The Rodeo is happening rain or shine! Regardless of the weather, the show must go on! Refunds will not be issued due to weather.
CLEAR BAG POLICY

In order to enhance public safety and make venue access more efficient, the Payson Pro Rodeo has adopted a Clear Bag Policy. Fans may bring in one (1) clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. Fans are limited to one clear bag per person, along with a small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5" x 8.5") for privacy. Guests with babies carrying a diaper bag will be required to have their bag thoroughly inspected by security before entrance will be permitted. Guests carrying a prohibited bag will NOT be permitted inside the venue. Fans with prohibited bags will either need to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag. Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment will be required to have their bag thoroughly inspected by security before entrance will be permitted.
COOLERS

No coolers allowed on the Rodeo Grounds.
WEAPONS

No weapons are allowed at the Rodeo Grounds.

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