The mayor of Colorado Springs, Yemi Mobolade, issued the following statement concerning the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association board of directors decision to relocate their headquarters and the Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy.
I am proud of the coalition we formed and the work we did collaboratively to try to retain the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Despite a generous package of incentives, the PRCA board voted to relocate to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
We, as a community, with organizations such as Colorado Springs Sports Corp, El Pomar Foundation, Visit Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Bryan Construction, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation, the National Western Stock Show and several others banded together to present a strong case to PRCA, which included a privately-funded capital fundraising campaign to refurbish the Hall of Fame.
We express and offer support for the affected employees and their families.
We will continue to work with the PRCA, and we continue to embrace our nearly-century long, tradition and partnership with the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, to include hosting the NFR Open through at least 2031.
Rodeo is alive and well in Colorado Springs, and our Western Heritage will continue to be a central part of our city’s identity.
We are thankful for the years PRCA and its people spent here in Colorado Springs and we are confident for what the future holds.