Where Champions Are Crowned
Watch as top notch youth rodeo contestants come from all over the Midwest to compete against the best. Since 2007, the American Royal Youth Rodeo has presented more than $101,625 in prize money! Come see the true grit and determination of today’s youth at the American Royal this spring.
Entries for the 2026 Youth Rodeo will open on March 1st. Entries will close on March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Late entries will be open until April 10th and will incur a $50 late fee.
2026 Unofficial Youth Rodeo Selections and Slack
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, April 22 – Senior Day
- 10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
- Noon – Senior Division Performance
- Slack Contestant Meeting immediately following the perf.
- Senior Division Slack immediately following the perf. (Not before 1:00 p.m.)
Thursday, April 23 – Junior Day
- 10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
- Noon – Junior Division Performance
- Slack Contestant Meeting immediately following the perf.
- Junior Division Slack immediately following the perf. (Not before 1:00 p.m.)
Friday, April 24
- 10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
- 12:00 PM – Youth Contract Act Showcase and Youth Jackpot
Purchase Youth Rodeo Tickets Here
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, April 22 – Senior Day
10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
Noon – Senior Division Performance
Slack Contestant Meeting immediately following the perf.
Senior Division Slack immediately following the perf. (Not before 1:00 p.m.)
Thursday, April 23 – Junior Day
10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
Noon – Junior Division Performance
Slack Contestant Meeting immediately following the perf.
Junior Division Slack immediately following the perf. (Not before 1:00 p.m.)
Friday, April 24, 2025
10:00 AM – Performance Contestant Meeting
12:00 PM – Youth Contract Act Showcase and Youth Jackpot
ARRIVAL SCHEDULE
Contestants must arrive during the following hours only; there will not be access into the facility outside of these hours.
Wednesday, April 22 – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, April 23 – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday, April 24 – 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CONTESTANT MEETINGS
All contestants selected for a performance must attend the contestant meeting each morning at 10:00 a.m. in the American Royal Offices, upstairs in the Governors and Ambassadors Room. Offices are located on the North end of the building. We will hold a separate meeting for all the contestants participating in slack. The slack contestant meeting will be held immediately after the performance; the meeting will be in the grandstands of the arena.
JUNIOR EVENTS | Ages 13 and under, as of April 23, 2026
Events Include:
- Junior Bulls (12-13 years)
- Girls Barrel Racing
- Girls Goat Tying
- Tie Down Roping
- Boys Breakaway Roping
- Girls Breakaway Roping
- Girls Pole Bending
- Team Roping (must enter as a team)
- Junior Bareback (12-13 years)
- Steer Riding (9-11 years)
SENIOR EVENTS | Ages 14-19, as of April 22, 2026
Events Include:
- Bareback Riding
- Bull Riding
- Barrel Racing (Ladies)
- Breakaway Roping (Ladies)
- Goat Tying (Ladies)
- Pole Bending (Ladies)
- Tie-Down Roping
- Steer Wrestling
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Team Roping (must enter as a team)
YOUTH JACKPOT
- Ages 19 and under as of April 24, 2026
Events include:
- Barrel Racing
- Breakaway
- Team Roping (must enter as a team)
Where
- The rodeo will be held in Hale Arena
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- Located on the Northeast side of the American Royal Center.
- A warm-up arena will be available
- Stalling is in the Lower Exhibition Hall
- Located on the South end of the American Royal Center.
Doors Open
Information coming soon.
Contact Info
816-569-4013

