National Junior High, High School Finals rodeos coming to Lazy E in landmark 10-year agreement

The City of Guthrie, City of Edmond, and Lazy E Arena have secured a major victory for Oklahoma’s western sports industry with the announcement that two of the nation’s premier youth rodeo events will call central Oklahoma home for the next decade.

The National Junior High Finals Rodeo will begin a 10-year run at Lazy E Arena from June 18-27, 2026, while the National High School Finals Rodeo will begin its own 10-year run at the renowned facility in 2030.

The partnership officially solidifies central Oklahoma as the “Youth Rodeo Capital of the World,” a designation expected to bring significant economic benefits to Guthrie, Edmond, and surrounding communities.

The City of Edmond committed $45,000 in 2022 to support Lazy E Arena’s bid for both rodeos, while the City of Guthrie contributed $10,000 annually for each contracted event to help secure the national competitions.

According to research conducted by the University of Nebraska and Grotta Marketing Research, the combined annual impact of hosting the two rodeos includes more than 179,000 visitor days and an estimated $27.3 million in total economic output.

Since opening in 1984, Lazy E Arena has established itself as one of the premier western sports venues in North America. The facility has hosted numerous major events, including the National Finals Steer Roping, the International Finals Rodeo, the Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping, and several of the world’s largest barrel racing competitions.

To accommodate continued growth, the facility has expanded with several new amenities, including the 30,000-square-foot Equinety Center, five new stall barns, a modern bathhouse, and the Morton Production Office, scheduled to open in June 2026.

The rodeos are expected to generate increased lodging, dining, retail, and tourism activity throughout Guthrie and the surrounding region for years to come.

Event organizers credited a coalition of state and local leaders for helping secure the events, including Governor Kevin Stitt, Sen. Chuck Hall, Sen. Grant Green, Sen. Kristen Thompson, Rep. Collin Duel, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, the cities of Guthrie and Edmond, and numerous local partners.