The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the premier organising body in rodeo, has effectively decided to shift its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming. This potential relocation, however, faces a significant hurdle as conservative state legislators in Wyoming express reservations about providing government funding to private businesses.
Conservative Lawmakers Challenge State Incentives
Wyoming's proposed $15 million state enticement to finalise the PRCA move could be jeopardised by sufficient opposition from these lawmakers. The issue is set to be debated intensely during the state's four-week legislative session commencing on February 9, where the budget will be finalised. State Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, who chairs the influential Freedom Caucus, articulated a common sentiment among critics.
"What Wyoming doesn't love is when multimillion-dollar corporations attempt to blackmail the taxpayers for handouts," Williams stated via text message. "We're happy to welcome the PRCA to the Cowboy State, but would hope they'd come the cowboy way — on their own dime." Williams represents Cody, which was passed over for Cheyenne in the PRCA board's recent vote to seriously consider the relocation.
Economic Impact and Community Support
The move would also involve transferring the PRCA’s ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy from Colorado Springs, where the association has been based since 1979. Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital with a population of 65,000, annually hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days each July, attracting over 100,000 visitors. This event, billed as the world's largest outdoor rodeo, relies on approximately 3,000 volunteers, fostering substantial civic pride.
The financial plan for the relocation includes Wyoming's $15 million contribution being matched by $15 million from Cheyenne LEADS, the city's economic development organisation. Rachelle Zimmerman, director of business recruitment and retention for Cheyenne LEADS, highlighted that a study projected a $253 million economic benefit to Wyoming over a decade from securing the PRCA. "We feel like this is the perfect project," Zimmerman remarked. "I think the majority of Wyoming supports this."
Political Divisions and Broader Context
Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican not aligned with the Freedom Caucus, supports both state assistance for the PRCA move and maintaining the Wyoming Business Council, a state agency that facilitates business development loans. "Rodeo has been a part of Wyoming since before we were a state. It is in our DNA," Gordon asserted in a statement.
Conversely, Freedom Caucus lawmakers have recently advocated for defunding the Wyoming Business Council and seek significant state spending cuts in the upcoming budget. Representative Scott Heiner, a Freedom Caucus Republican from Green River, emphasised his support for rodeo but opposed state funding for private enterprises. "Businesses and industry should be able to stand on their own," Heiner said. "If they have a valid reason to come to Wyoming and have the means to do that, I welcome them with open arms."
Paul Woody, the PRCA's chief marketing officer, described the potential move as a long-term strategic decision. "It’s not a short-term decision. It’s where we need to be in 50 years," Woody explained. Efforts to attract the PRCA to Wyoming began last year, and formalisation now depends on legislative approval.
Meanwhile, Colorado Springs has stepped back after offering to assist with renovating and promoting the PRCA hall of fame and museum. "We made our pitch, we made our presentation. We await whatever happens," said city spokesperson Jason Strickland.
