DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) — When the Mesquite Championship Rodeo starts up next week it will officially become the first ticketed sporting event since mandator government shutdowns where implemented in April. The MCR will continue its 63rd consecutive year with its 13-week series on Saturday nights.
“We’re a privately-owned rodeo, so the pressure to shut down was never really applied or forced on us. We held off canceling, with the thought that we’d be right on the bubble, and as it turns out, we were right. And with aid from all our partners and a big thanks to Visit Mesquite Texas and the citizens of Mesquite, we’re able to produce Texas’ Original Sport for the 63rd consecutive year in the Rodeo Capital of Texas”, says Travis Wheat, MCR Rodeo Director
The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is the Rodeo Capital of Texas and sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association).
“People are excited about the possibility to get out and come to the rodeo. I have answered the main phone line for weeks; fans and cowboys have been increasingly pushing for us to reopen – and now we are. Guess we’re just stubborn cowboys”, says Wheat.
Though the MCR is reopening, they are not ignoring the threat of COVID-19. The rodeo will be following Dallas County guidelines and PRCA guidelines. The venue will be opening at 25% capacity (with pre-designated seating) and taking extra precautions to sanitize high touch surfaces by its fans. Social distancing will be encouraged.
“We have to keep in mind the recommendations of our health officials while still keeping a Texas tradition alive. The show must go on. Trust me, when that cowboy gets thrown off that bull, he’ll want to distance himself for sure”, laughs Wheat.
“We’ve been communicating with other rodeo committees in Texas. It’s been such a dynamic situation this year. Daily changes, federally, state, and locally – altered our courses of action and ultimately weighted even the most basic of decisions. But fortunately for us, Texas is a state of freedom and liberty and our Government recognized the need to reopen the economy. When the announcement came May 18, we knew we were gonna be noddin’ out, and the goal became clear”, Wheat adds.