What the MSU Spring Rodeo Is
The MSU Spring Rodeo is a college rodeo hosted each April in Bozeman by Montana State University and its Bobcat Rodeo team. It is a longstanding campus tradition that celebrates western heritage and horsemanship, and it gives college cowboys and cowgirls a stage for roughstock and timed events before the late-season circuit and regional qualifiers. The most recent edition was held Thursday through Sunday, April 9-12, 2026, as two weekend rodeos in Worthington Arena inside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on the MSU campus.
Events and Competitors
Both men's and women's teams compete. The 2026 rodeo included roughstock events (such as saddle bronc riding and bull riding) and timed events such as team roping, goat tying, barrel racing and breakaway roping. Collegiate teams compete for team and event titles. Rodeo entertainer Flint Rasmussen returned to perform.
2026 Results and Crowds
- Montana State won both the men's and women's team competitions at both weekend rodeos.
- The men's team led six of nine events after the first performance and took seven of nine titles at the first rodeo on Friday.
- Faith Marshall won goat tying with a 6.1-second run; Holden Atkinson was the only bull rider to ride for eight seconds on Saturday, scoring 78.
- Attendance was 16,274 over four days, the largest four-day crowd in the event's history. The Friday and Saturday night performances sold out, with more than 4,600 fans each.
Tickets and Attending
Tickets are sold only through montanastatetickets.com, by phone or in person at the Bobcat Ticket Office. They are delivered digitally through the Montana State Athletics App; print-at-home is not offered. Will Call and day-of tickets open one hour before show time, and a valid photo ID is required to pick up Will Call tickets. Groups of 10 or more get group discounts. Every attendee needs a ticket regardless of age, all sales are final, and a clear bag policy is enforced.
Where and Parking
Worthington Arena, Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Montana State University, Bozeman. Free 30-minute parking is available in designated spots below the ticket office on the north side of the fieldhouse, with handicap parking at the north and south entrances. Accessible seating is available; contact the ticket office to plan the easiest route to your seats.
Questions
When is the next rodeo?
The 2027 dates have not been announced; the most recent edition was April 9-12, 2026.
Who do I call?
The Bobcat Ticket Office at 406.994.CATS (2287) or 1-800-808-5940, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What do tickets cost?
Prices vary by performance and seating location and are listed at montanastatetickets.com.
Official Links
- Rodeo ticket information
- Record crowds at the 2026 MSU Spring Rodeo
- Bobcats claim seven of nine titles on Friday
- Bobcats shine at the 2026 MSU spring rodeo
- Montana pro rodeo schedule
Major Montana Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
Montana's big three are MontanaFair in August, the NILE in October and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in May. All dates below are from the most recent published schedules, so confirm the current year.
MontanaFair
The Billings fair ran August 7-15 in 2026. The Junior Livestock Sale was Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Expo. Entries go through an online ShoWorks system managed by MetraPark, and the Dept. A handbook holds the deadlines.
NILE
The NILE ran October 9-17, 2026 at MetraPark in Billings, with junior steer, lamb, goat and swine shows, the Junior Fed Sale on October 12 and rodeo performances. 2026 entries closed September 15, with a $50-per-head late fee after September 1.
Bucking Horse Sale
Miles City held its 75th Bucking Horse Sale May 14-17, 2026, with a parade, rodeo grand entries and wild horse races. It dates back to 1951.
Hauling in
Swine entering Montana need a health certificate issued within 10 days.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Montana FFA Ag Expo
Montana FFA Ag Expo with twenty-six career and leadership development events for FFA members in Bozeman, November 12 to 14, 2026. Volunteer judges are recruited each year.
Bozeman, MT | (406) 581-9299 | Organizer: Montana FFA Official event details - Montana 4-H State Shoot
Montana 4-H shooting sports state shoot in Bozeman, March 7-8, 2027.
- Gallatin County 4-H and FFA Fair
Big Sky Country State Fair youth fair at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds; 2026 events ran July 9-19 and the next fair is announced for July 15-25, 2027.
- Montana State University Cowboys and Candlelight
The 29th annual Cowboys and Candlelight event in Bozeman, held February 15, 2026, on the Montana rodeo calendar.
Bozeman, MT Official event details - Montana 4-H State Shotgun Qualifier
State 4-H shotgun qualifier held in Logan on Saturday, May 2, 2026, part of the Montana 4-H shooting sports schedule.
Logan, MT Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.