The eighth annual Hooters Fort Myers Pro Rodeo will be held Feb. 21-23, an expanded three-day format reflecting the rodeo’s growing popularity in Southwest Florida.
The professionally choreographed, two-hour premier event will feature bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and more. The rodeo is sanctioned through the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and features nationally ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing for $20,000 in cash prizes. One of the nation’s top stock contractors, Arkansas-based Hi Lo ProRodeo, is providing top-of-the-line bucking bulls and horses.
“Our past rodeos have been sold out for both Friday and Saturday nights, so we added a Sunday matinee to allow more Southwest Florida residents and visitors, particularly families with younger children, to experience a professional rodeo,” said rodeo organizer Margo Crowther.
Experienced announcer Trey Windhorst is returning to the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo and is known for his energy, experience, professionalism and extensive rodeo knowledge. Joining Windhorst is rodeo clown Matt Tarr, highly regarded for his quick wit and ability to keep the audience engaged and smiling, and trick rider Dusti Crain Dickerson, who will provide her legendary horseback entertainment between events.
Attendees also will enjoy culinary options from local award-winning food trucks, showcase their riding skills on a mechanical bull, and purchase rodeo apparel and merchandise from multiple vendors. Youth who arrive early can participate in a kids’ calf scramble to help corral a calf.
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo will be held at Lee County Posse Arena, 17401 Palm Creek Drive in North Fort Myers, on the following days and times:
- Friday, Feb. 21: 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
- Saturday, Feb. 22: 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.)
- Sunday, Feb. 23: 2 p.m. (gates open at noon)
General admission tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Parking is $5. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include preferred parking, access to a special VIP tent with unlimited food and beverages, and reserved seating areas.
Event tickets are being sold online at FortMyersProRodeo.com. Starting Feb. 1, a limited number of discounted tickets will be available at two area Hooters locations: 4411 Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers and 3120 Del Prado Blvd. South in Cape Coral. Seating capacity at Lee County Posse Arena is limited, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Hooters has returned as the rodeo’s title sponsor and Certified Heating and Cooling again is the presenting sponsor. Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram also is a sponsor through the Ram Rodeo Series, and Ram trucks will be used to transport rodeo equipment during the event.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Margo Crowther at 239-848-5414 or email FortMyersProRodeo@gmail.com.
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo has selected the Naples-based nonprofit Grace Works Unlimited as the beneficiary of the 2020 rodeo.
About Fort Myers Pro Rodeo
The Fort Myers Pro Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and held annually at the Lee County Posse Arena in North Fort Myers. The Pro Rodeo features bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and more. The 2020 rodeo will be held Feb. 21-23. For ticket or sponsorship opportunities, please visit FortMyersProRodeo.com or call 239-247-2557.