What the Tri-State Rodeo Finals Are
The Tri-State Rodeo Finals are the finals of the Tri-State Rodeo Association (TSRA), held each November at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center on the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. The most recent finals ran Friday and Saturday, November 20-21, 2026, and also served as the tryout weekend for the Dixie National Rodeo flag girls. The Equine Center is a temperature-controlled arena that seats 2,500.
When and What It Costs
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dates (2026) | Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 |
| Doors | 6 p.m. |
| Rodeo starts | 7 p.m. |
| Admission | $10 at the door |
| Venue | Kirk Fordice Equine Center, 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS |
At the 2023 finals, children 12 and under were $5 and children 6 and under were free. Confirm the child rate with the association before you go.
Flag Girl Tryouts
The finals weekend is also when young women try out to carry flags at the Dixie National Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. The most recent application was open to women who were 17 to 23 years old on January 1 of the rodeo year, with proven horsemanship. Mississippi residents were preferred, though an out-of-state rider with exceptional horsemanship could be considered.
How the tryout process works
- Applicants submit an online form with personal details, school and horse-related accomplishments, and two short essays: why they are the best candidate and why they want the title.
- They pay a $40 entry fee and email a headshot from the shoulders up, wearing a cowboy hat. Parents or guardians co-sign for applicants under 18.
- Selected contestants are notified a few weeks ahead; the last cycle's deadline was October 31 with notices on November 5.
- Contestants bring their own horse, transportation, meals and lodging to the tryouts at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center during the finals, and attend practice and two rodeo performances to be considered.
Those chosen commit to attend every Dixie National Rodeo performance and the parade, wear makeup and style hair for each performance, and know basic horse care, including saddling, feeding, bathing and leading. They may also be asked to provide a horse for the rodeo and parade. Riders participate at their own risk and cover their own medical expenses, and the judges' decisions are final.
Where
Kirk Fordice Equine Center, Mississippi Fairgrounds, 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS. The fairgrounds administrative office is 601-961-4000.
Questions
Do I need a ticket in advance?
The 2026 listing gave door admission of $10, with doors at 6 p.m.
Can I try out for flag girl if I live outside Mississippi?
Out-of-state applicants have been considered if they show exceptional horsemanship.
What does it cost to apply?
The $40 entry fee is paid by PayPal; the organizers offer an alternative for those who do not use PayPal.
Official Links
- Mississippi Fairgrounds upcoming events: 2026 dates, times and admission
- Tri-State Rodeo Finals 2023: venue address and earlier ticket prices
- Dixie National Rodeo Flag Girl Competition application
- Mississippi Fairgrounds: venue facilities and office phone
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- MSFB Classic Livestock Show
The Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show fills the Livestock Arena at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 20-22, 2026.
- Dixie National Junior Round-Up
Youth beef, sheep, goat, swine and dairy exhibitors compete in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up. The 2027 show is set for February 1-11, with ownership deadlines of September 1 and December 1, 2026 by division.
- MS Ag and Outdoor Expo
Farm, ranch and outdoor exhibitors gather at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson for a three-day expo scheduled for February 19-21, 2027.
Jackson, MS Official event details - Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo
The 61st Dixie National Rodeo ran nine performances over two weekends at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year in February; the most recent dates were February 13-21, 2026.
- Dixie National Rodeo
Nine-performance professional rodeo over two weekends at the Jackson fairgrounds, paired with concerts by Joe Nichols, Tanya Tucker, Mark Chesnutt and others. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 13-21, 2026.
All Mississippi events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.