The Dixie National Rodeo is one of the largest professional rodeos in the southeastern United States. Held annually in January in Jackson, Mississippi, it attracts some of the top cowboys and cowgirls from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) to compete for over $300,000 in prize money.
History of the Dixie National Rodeo
The Dixie National Rodeo has a long and storied history in Mississippi. It was first held in 1967 at the Mississippi Coliseum and was founded by Jim Buck Ross, a local businessman and rodeo enthusiast. The goal was to bring a large, professional rodeo to the state to showcase cowboy skills and western heritage.
In its early years, the Dixie National Rodeo featured mostly regional competitors. But as its reputation grew, top cowboys and cowgirls from around the country began competing annually for the coveted Dixie National Rodeo Championships. Some of the biggest names in the sport have competed at the event over the decades including World Champions like Ty Murray, Tuff Hedeman, Charmayne James and Kristie Peterson.
The rodeo has been held at the Mississippi Coliseum for most of its history, allowing it to grow into one of the largest indoor rodeos nationwide. Today, the Dixie National Rodeo takes place over 4 days in late January, drawing over 65,000 fans annually to the heart of Jackson.
Rodeo Events at the Dixie National
The Dixie National Rodeo features all the traditional rodeo events sanctioned by the PRCA and WPRA. Here is an overview of the different competitions cowboys and cowgirls competing for championships and prize money:
Timed Events
- Steer Wrestling – A cowboy on horseback chases a running steer, jumps off his horse onto the steer, and wrestles it to the ground by twisting its horns.
- Team Roping – A header rope’s a steer’s horns and a heeler ropes the back legs in tandem.
- Tie-Down Roping – A cowboy ropes a calf on horseback then dismounts and ties three of its legs together.
- Barrel Racing – Cowgirls race their horses in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in the arena.
Rough Stock Events
- Bareback Riding – Riders hold onto a bucking horse with one hand in a specialized rigging and attempt to last 8 seconds.
- Saddle Bronc Riding – Riders hold onto a thick rein swung over a bucking horse and attempt to last 8 seconds.
- Bull Riding – Riders attempt to last 8 seconds on the back of an aggressively bucking bull.
Other Events
- Breakaway Roping – Cowgirls rope calves from horseback but the ropes have a string allowing the calf to break free once roped.
- Youth Events – Future cowboys and cowgirls compete in calf riding, sheep riding and other junior events.
Why Rodeo Athletes Compete at the Dixie National
For professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, the Dixie National Rodeo is a major event to compete at each year for several reasons:
- The total purse money exceeds $300,000, providing a big incentive for competitors.
- The indoor venue allows for performances even in January’s cold weather.
- The history and tradition of the event give it prestige in the rodeo world.
- The large crowds create an electric rodeo atmosphere for competitors.
- Top finishes help secure spots at other major rodeos and the National Finals Rodeo.
In addition, the central location of Jackson, MS makes it logistically easy for many cowboys to travel and compete at the Dixie National Rodeo on the winter rodeo circuit.
Economic Impact
The Dixie National Rodeo provides a major economic boost to the city of Jackson each year. A 2010 study found the total economic impact of the rodeo to be over $24 million annually for the local economy. This impact comes from several sources:
- Visitor spending by the tens of thousands of rodeo fans on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and retail.
- Vendor revenues from food, beverages, and merchandise sold at the rodeo.
- Spending by rodeo committees, contractors, sponsors, and media.
- Money paid to rodeo athletes that enters the local economy.
The hotel industry in particular receives a major boost, with many downtown hotels sold out during the 4-day event. The rodeo provides a seasonal surge in business for Jackson each January.
Special Events at the Dixie National Rodeo
In addition to the competitions, the Dixie National Rodeo also features specialty acts, ceremonies, and other entertainment:
- Opening Ceremonies – The event kicks off each year with the presentation of flags and the national anthem.
- Specialty Acts – Entertainers like rodeo clowns and trick riders perform comedy routines and daring stunts.
- Halftime Shows – Musical acts provide entertainment during intermission.
- Rodeo Parade – A themed parade takes place downtown on the morning of the rodeo’s final performance.
These events help provide a total entertainment experience and rodeo atmosphere for fans attending.
Conclusion
For over 50 years, the Dixie National Rodeo has showcased top professional cowboys and cowgirls competing annually in Jackson, MS. It features all the traditional rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling. The Dixie National provides a major economic boost and entertainment experience for the city each January, while allowing rodeo athletes to compete for championship buckles, prize money and prestige. With its long history and large crowds, the Dixie National Rodeo continues to be one of the can’t-miss events on the winter rodeo circuit.