Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — During the winter, the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena welcomed NCAA Championship skiers, past and present Olympians and an award-winning band.

On Friday, the cowboys reclaim their ground with the opening of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.

The chutes open at 7:30 p.m.

The local rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bad Company Rodeo of Del Rio, Texas, is the stock contractor for the first four rodeo weekends, including Friday and Saturday's shows.

Char Mighton, rodeo administrator, said Bad Company is one of the top contractors in the country. It will be supplying the stock for this weekend's rodeos, as well as the rodeos on June 30, July 1 and the special shows on July 3 and July 4.

In addition, Bad Company Rodeo is holding a T-shirt modeling contest today at Tugboat Bar and Grill in Ski Time Square.

The company promotes a product line called Bad Wear. Women interested in modeling T-shirts will be competing for a $100 prize and the chance to win $1,000 at a national competition. All women who register will keep the T-shirts provided.

Registration is at 11 p.m. at Tugboat, and the competition is scheduled for about 11:30 p.m.

Utah's Kevin Higley is the rodeo clown for opening weekend.

As in past years, entertainment and a barbecue begin at 6 p.m., with gates at the downtown arena slated to open at 5:30 p.m. The rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Kenny Knapp will be on stage. The Yampa Valley Boys play Saturday. The cost for all the events is $13 for adults and $7 for children ages 7 to 15. Children 6 and younger are admitted free.

Discounted tickets are available for $12 and $8 at several outlets in Steamboat, including Gondola General, F.M. Light and Sons, and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.