Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/813078
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 — Red Bluff Daily News 9 PRCA: e leader in professional rodeo e Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associa- tion (PRCA), based in Colorado Springs, is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. e recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. e PRCA sanctions about 600 rodeos annually in 37 states and three Canadian provinces, and ensures that every PRCA-sanctioned event is managed with fairness and competence and that the livestock used is healthy and cared for to the highest stan- dards. Here are some key facts about ProRodeo and the PRCA: Fans – ProRodeo attracts about 30 million fans, many of whom attend PRCA-sanctioned rodeos around the country annually. According to the Sports Business Daily, rodeo is seventh in overall attendance for major sporting events, ahead of golf and tennis. Fans can follow professional rodeo all year long through the PRCA's television coverage. Cowboys – e PRCA's membership includes nearly 8,000 cow- boys, the largest segment of the association's membership. is membership segment includes cowboys who compete in profes- sional rodeo for a living, crisscrossing the country with their own horses or equipment, as well as those who work at other jobs during the week and compete in rodeos on the weekends. World champions – "World Champion" is the most coveted ti- tle in ProRodeo. e sport s world champions are crowned at the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, based on total season earnings at PRCA rodeos across the continent, including monies earned at the Wrangler NFR. e PRCA crowns eight world titlists, each of whom receives a gold buckle and a specially craed trophy saddle. Contract personnel – e personnel working a rodeo include the bullfighters, who help bull riders escape from powerful rodeo bulls; the barrelmen, clowns and specialty acts, who entertain the crowds; Judges, who ensure all rules of competition and livestock welfare are followed; stock contractors, who provide rodeo's live- stock; announcers who call the action; arena secretaries, who han- dle administrative duties; and timers, who operate the clocks for the timed and roughstock events. Committees – Local rodeo committees organize the PRCA-sanctioned rodeos held across the continent. Most are run by dedicat- ed groups of volunteers who make the rodeos work from behind the scenes, procuring local sponsors for events, awards and programs; set- ting up safe facilities; staffing various functions and making the contestants and attendees feel at home. Charities – PRCA-sanctioned rodeos an- nually raise many millions of dollars for local and national charities, from college scholar- ships for local students to the national-Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign against breast cancer. FanZone – e ProRodeo FanZone. presented by Cabela's, is the official fan club of the PRCA. Among the many membership benefits: access to an exclusive Web site with blogs, a forum, a pho- to gallery and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ProRodeo; exclusive quarterly contests and giveaways for members only; and a welcome package containing a FanZone koozie, hat pin, lanyard and personalized membership card as well items from PRCA national sponsors. Sponsors - e PRCAs loyal national sponsors support all as- pects of rodeo, from entire events like the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Justin Boots Playoffs and Championships to the Montana Silversmiths gold buckles awarded to world champions each year. Demographics – e PRCA's nearly 4 million royal attendees across the U.S are about 49 percent and 51 percent female; 63 per- cent have household income of $50,000 or more and 50 percent have children in the household. In surveys, 81 percent report that they have had a so drink in the previous 30 days, 50 percent had a beer in the previous 30 days and 95 percent have eaten at a fast food restaurant in the previous 30 days. ProRodeo fans come from all walks of life, but as a group, they are demographically similar to NASCAR fans, and are likely to also enjoy hunting, fishing and camping. ProRodeo.com – e PRCA maintains a Web site with the latest news stories, cowboy blogs, world standings, and bios.