The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to the sport of rodeo and its star, the rodeo cowboy. The doors opened in August of 1979 and that first year they honored 69 two-legged plus 14 four-legged contestants. The museum is located adjacent to the national headquarters of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado . It allows visitors to trace the history of rodeo and relive the glory of its greatest champions.Visitors to the Hall are greeted by “The Champ”, a larger-than-life statue of legendary bronc rider Casey Tibbs riding the famed saddle bronc Necktie. The bronze statue was unveiled in August 1989 to honor Tibbs, a nine-time world champion between 1949 and 1959.
Two theaters inside the Hall detail the history of rodeo and the lifestyle of the modern rodeo cowboy. Exhibits show the development of rodeo equipment while the Champions Hall honors rodeo’s most accomplished champions.
The Hall of Fame selection committee each year selects individuals for induction. All inductees must have contributed greatly to the sport.
The garden and outdoor exhibits area includes bronzes and a real rodeo arena. The facility is ideal for special events from receptions to concerts. The large catering kitchen, plus outdoor barbeque grills, makes the presentation of such events a pleasure.
The Hall of Fame operations are supported by admission revenues, membership dues, special event revenues, individual and corporate contributions and sales from the museum store. The store itself contains a wide-variety of rodeo merchandise and Hall of Fame memoribilia.
The Hall is a 501-C-3 non-profit educational institution. Memberships are available through the PRCA Associate Membership program for the serious rodeo fan and all proceeds go to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
