What the UAM Weevil Stampede Is
The Weevil Stampede is the home collegiate rodeo of the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), hosted by the UAM rodeo team. Three nights of competition bring college rodeo athletes from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Ozark Region to southeast Arkansas, and the host team competes in front of its own community. Rodeo coach Rusty Jones has called it one of the highlights of the team's season.
The most recent edition ran Thursday through Saturday, October 1-3, 2026, with performances starting at 7 p.m. each night. The 2025 edition was held October 16-18.
What You Will See
This is a college rodeo, so contestants are student athletes rather than touring professionals. The 2025 program listed these events:
| Timed events | Rough stock |
|---|---|
| Barrel racing | Bull riding |
| Team roping | Saddle bronc riding |
| Breakaway roping | Bareback riding |
| Tie-down (calf) roping | |
| Goat tying | |
| Steer wrestling |
The 2026 announcement highlighted bull riding, barrel racing and goat tying, along with more events through the three-night run.
Tickets
- Adults: $10
- Children: $5
- Ages 5 and younger: free
- UAM students with a valid ID: $5
Ticket prices were the same in 2025, when the children's price applied to ages 6 through 12.
How the Nights Work
- Before the rodeoTeam members visit area elementary and middle schools to meet students. Senior team member Ali Jo Cruce, a South Arkansas native, describes this as a favorite part of the week.
- 7 p.m. each nightPerformances start. Contestants from the Ozark Region compete in each event.
- Three nightsThe rodeo runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Who Is Competing
Competitors are collegiate rodeo athletes from schools in the NIRA Ozark Region. The UAM team, led by coach Rusty Jones, hosts. Senior team members Aspen Harris and Ali Jo Cruce were featured in the 2026 announcement, and Cruce has called the Stampede a community tradition.
Where
The rodeo is held at the UAM Truck Driving Academy on Highway 425 South in Monticello, Arkansas.
Questions
Is it open to the public?
Yes. Tickets are sold to adults, children and students, and children five and under are admitted free.
What time does it start?
Performances begin at 7 p.m. each of the three nights.
Do college students get a discount?
UAM students with a valid ID pay $5.
Who do I call?
870-460-1052.
Official Links
- UAM set for 2026 Weevil Stampede: KATV report with dates, tickets and contact
- Saddle up for three nights of rodeo action at the UAM Weevil Stampede: UAM release with the full event list
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Arkansas 4-H WHEP State Contest
State Wildlife Habitat Education Program contest for 4-H teams on the UAM campus in Monticello; the most recent date was April 24, 2026.
- Arkansas Pecan Festival
Pecan festival on Main Street in Keo, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 Official event details - Arkansas Rice Festival
Rice-themed festival in downtown Weiner, scheduled for October 9, 2027.
Weiner, AR Official event details - Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were December 3-5, 2025 (91st convention). Includes a public trade show with 180+ vendors, a farmers market, workshops and elections of state leaders.
- Four States Agricultural Expo
Annual research and best-practices expo for area growers, held at the Four States Fair and Rodeo grounds in Texarkana; the most recent date was February 12, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.