The Potential Relocation of the PRCA
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the foremost organization in professional rodeo, is on the brink of relocating its main office from Colorado to Wyoming, known for its extensive outdoor rodeo culture and the iconic bucking horse emblem. However, the move hinges on a contentious issue: the reluctance of conservative lawmakers in Wyoming to allocate government resources to aid private businesses. This resistance threatens to undermine a proposed $15 million incentive package intended to facilitate the transition.
Legislative Session and Budget Negotiations
Starting February 9, Wyoming’s legislature will embark on a four-week session where they must negotiate the state budget, a critical moment that could determine the future of PRCA’s headquarters. As per state Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, who leads the influential Freedom Caucus, while Wyoming proudly embraces rodeo as its official sport, there is strong opposition to what they perceive as financial coercion from large corporations seeking taxpayer assistance.
“We would like to see the PRCA come to Wyoming—but on their own terms,”
Rodriguez-Williams stated. Originating from Cody, she expressed disappointment after the PRCA board recently favored Cheyenne as the potential new home for its headquarters.
Impact on the Community
The PRCA’s Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, currently based in Colorado Springs, would also relocate under this plan, signifying a major shift for both the organization and the communities involved.
Cheyenne, with a population of approximately 65,000, attracts over 100,000 individuals annually during its prominent event, Cheyenne Frontier Days—a festival celebrated for its rodeo heritage. This civic event relies heavily on around 3,000 volunteers to offset costs and enhance community spirit.
Funding and Economic Considerations
The proposed funding structure to lure the PRCA includes a matching investment of $15 million from Cheyenne’s economic development group, Cheyenne LEADS. This offer is significantly less than those made in other states, which often grapple with securing legislative approval for similar incentives.
The Freedom Caucus has also previously advocated for slashing budgets, including defunding the Wyoming Business Council—an agency that supports business growth through loans—indicating a broader reluctance to use state funds for commercial ventures. In contrast, Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican who diverges from the Freedom Caucus’s stance, actively promotes the move and maintaining support for the Business Council, stating,
“Rodeo is ingrained in Wyoming’s identity, long predating statehood.”
Perspectives on Business Incentives
Despite widespread enthusiasm for rodeo among legislators, some members like Rep. Scott Heiner believe that businesses should independently thrive without state subsidies. Heiner mentioned,
“If a company sees merit in moving to Wyoming, they should establish their operations without relying on government incentives.”
Future Prospects
Discussions to attract the PRCA began last year, with Paul Woody, the PRCA’s marketing chief, emphasizing the long-term impact of such a decision, stating,
“We envision our future rooted in Wyoming for the next fifty years.”
As Colorado Springs awaits the outcome of the potential move, officials from the city have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pitch their offerings, including renovations to the PRCA’s facilities. A recent economic study suggests that bringing the PRCA to Wyoming could yield approximately $253 million over ten years, according to Rachelle Zimmerman from Cheyenne LEADS, who affirmed the community’s backing for this ambitious project.
