Sunup to sunset, the 2024 edition of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) was filled with entertainment options, great stories, and a boost to the local economy.
The “Daddy of ’em All” has a 128-year history, and while events have been added, the legacy lies in the rodeo. This year’s theme, “Year of the Cowgirl,” showcased women in and out of the arena. On June 28, CFD dedicated a bronze statue named “How ’Bout Them Cowgirls,” by Wyoming sculptor D. Michael Thomas. It is in a place of honor next to the Chris LeDoux statue. Miniature versions of the bronze were awarded to the Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding, Breakaway Roping, and Barrel Racing champions this year.
The rich history of the event started in 1897. None of the celebration would be possible without the 3,000-plus volunteers who put in countless hours to make it happen.
Over 1,500 rodeo contestants made their way to Frontier Park to be part of the $1.2 million rodeo. Their competition started early with qualifier rounds where Chet Weitz, a 23-year-old tie-down roper from London, Texas, set an arena record at 9.1 seconds.
The rodeo’s qualifying rounds were July 13-17. The Quarter Finals began on July 19, where contestants were vying for a spot in the Semi-Finals, July 26-27. Championship Sunday featured the top contestants in nine events.
There was a big race for the all-around championship between 18-year-old rookie Wesley Schalla and Coleman Proctor, who is twice his age. Both qualified for the Finals in two events. Schalla, from Arapaho, Oklahoma, competed in bareback riding and bull riding. Proctor came out of Chute 9 in steer roping and team roping. Proctor, from Pryor, Oklahoma, earned the All-Around Champion for the second time in his career–he also won in 2022.
Through nine rodeo performances, 115,494 fans were in attendance, compared to 116,960 last year. The Quarter Finals, Semi-Finals, and Finals were broadcast live on The Cowboy Channel. Additionally, qualifying rounds were available on The Cowboy Channel+ app. The final Saturday celebrated National Day of the Cowboy with a sold-out rodeo performance.
Other on-site attractions that are a traditional part of the Western celebration include the Indian Village, concerts, trade shows, and carnival. Behind the Chutes Tours were a popular free activity where nearly 4,000 attendees got a close look at the rodeo arena and livestock.
CFD officials continued their quest to bring attention to suicide prevention and awareness through the Pick-Up Man Initiative, which aims to combat suicide. Yellow feathers on cowboy hats were prevalent across Frontier Park, encouraging people to “pick up” someone in need.
All military branches were honored on Military Monday with active personnel and veterans receiving free admission. Special opening ceremonies featured the Leapfrogs Navy Parachute Team. Volunteers carried in a giant American flag, a parade on the track of military vehicles, and recognition of Gold Star families. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returned to the Wyoming skies on Cheyenne Day.
Frontier Nights saw 119,793 in attendance compared to 134,134 last year. Two nights of entertainment included Professional Bull Riders-Last Man Standing. In addition to rodeo and night show tickets, there were 28,353 gate admission tickets sold, bringing total attendance to 263,640.
Approximately 6,500 head of livestock were on the park for the rodeo, parades, and bull riding. On-site veterinarians thoroughly inspected animals multiple times daily. Twelve animals required treatment, and unfortunately two did not recover. Additionally, this year, an off-site pasture was provided for the bucking horses, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the new 150-acre “Horse Haven.”
Four parades and three pancake breakfasts were part of the celebration in downtown Cheyenne. Fans lined the streets for the parades featuring horse-drawn wagons that depict the history of transportation. The Kiwanis, CFD, and various community volunteers fed 19,076 people at the free pancake breakfasts.
The Native American Indian Village on Frontier Park had activities for all ages, including storytelling, hoop dancing, and flute playing. Approximately 35,948 people made their way through the village.
“We had an amazing year in 2024,” said John Contos, CFD General Chairman. “I’ve been involved here in a lot of different capacities, and it never ceases to amaze me. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers, support from the community, and our sponsors. We have a 128-year history of celebrating the West, and we don’t ever want to forget everyone that has been a part of this in the past to make it what it is today. The Year of the Cowgirl gave us extra inspiration this year. We are so grateful to everyone involved and we are ready to start planning for 2025.”
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be one of the Dandies, or what it takes to earn your spot in their ranks… have we got a treat for you!
A sisterhood spanning generations, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandies have served as goodwill ambassadors of our event since 1970.
In addition to keeping up with the bustling 10-day schedule of Cheyenne Frontier Days—including appearances at the Coronation Ball, pancake breakfasts, grand parades, rodeo performances and night shows—our spirited and sparkling Dandies represent Cheyenne Frontier Days at rodeos, fairs and other celebrations throughout the Rocky Mountain Region year-round.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be one of these legendary ladies, or what it takes to earn your spot in their ranks… have we got a treat for you!
Today, Dandies alumnus Lisa Murphy (‘84-’86) welcomes fellow alumnus Shirley Holmes Churchill (‘75-’77) and current Dandies Director Halley Redman to share:
The origins of the Dandies, and the “tried and true cowgirl” who founded the group
What it was like to be one of the very first Dandies
What it takes to be able to carry the (surprisingly heavy) sponsor flags you see Dandies ride with in the arena
How the Dandies, and even the type of riders they look for, have evolved over the past 55 years
The skills Dandies learn that stay with them for a lifetime
What Halley looks for when selecting new Dandies
Shirley and Lisa’s most cherished memories from their time in the group
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
What defines a Wyoming cowgirl?
It’s the way she approaches the world with strength, confidence, and resilience.
It’s in her passion for the Western way of life.
It’s a definition as vast and ever-evolving as the West itself—even into the newest generation of Wyoming cowgirls, out blazing their trails as we speak.
The bold, barrier-breaking women you’ve met in our past three “Eras of Western Women” episodes aren’t always the typical “cowgirl” you’d expect… and yet, each represents her own brand of cowgirl authentically, unapologetically, unequivocally.
For generations, Women of the West have been trailblazers, shaping history with each step. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on as countless remarkable women continue to make their mark on the world.
Today, you’ll get to meet even more.
In our fourth and final episode of the “Eras of Western Women” series, honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) share stories about:
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
With the rise in popularity of Western films in the late 1920s and early 1930s, our nation was enamored by the romance and intrigue of the American West.
It was no longer enough to simply watch the action on a screen; people wanted to have an authentic, boots-on-the-ground Western experience for themselves.
And where better than Cheyenne Frontier Days?
Between 1930 and 1960, both Cheyenne and Frontier Park played host to a wide array of women breaking barriers left and right—and it’s their stories we celebrate today.
In our third of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) share stories about:
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Welcome to the era of the cowgirl:
A ground-breaking time in Western history that saw women stepping boldly into the world of rodeo… and never looking back.
In our second of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) highlight:
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
The women whose stories you’re about to hear are more than celebrated names from Wyoming’s history; they’re women whose strength, confidence,
and resilience exemplify the spirit of the Wyoming cowgirl… and whose impact shaped the West as we know it today.
Kicking off the first of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Castle (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) celebrate:
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
When you get two veterans of Frontier Nights together, chances are… they’re going to have some pretty great stories to share.
Today, you’ve got a seat at the table to hear some of the best, straight from Wyoming country music artist Chancey Williams and Bob Romeo of Romeo Entertainment Group—the agency responsible for bringing everyone from Garth Brooks to Post Malone to our legendary Frontier Nights stage.
Listen in as these fine gentlemen reflect on some of their favorite stories from behind the scenes, including:
Why Bob credits Randy Travis and Sawyer Brown for getting his foot in the door in Cheyenne
How Chris LeDoux checked off his number-one bucket list item at CFD’s 100th Anniversary celebration
Where in Frontier Park Chancey credits as the place that gave his band their foundation
Stories from behind the scenes with Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, and George Strait
Why the Contract Acts office keeps a framed photo of Garth Brooks and Chris LeDoux shaking hands
How the South Dakota highway patrol helped bring the Oak Ridge Boys to Frontier Nights
Creative ways we’ve worked around Wyoming weather to ensure the show goes on
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
(Cheyenne, WY) – Ivan L. Moody, best known as the lead singer and songwriter for critically acclaimed, platinum selling hard Rock band, “Five Finger Death Punch, has officially moved to Cheyenne, WY. The artist, actor, and entrepreneur is excited to announce the grand opening of his two businesses – Moody’s Rock Stop and Ciara Coral.
Moody’s Rock Stop is a rock & roll-based convenience store & fueling station which is designed for everyday “recharging.” The musically themed stop-and-shop, located at 901 W. Pershing Blvd., will also sell the Rock star’s personal line of specialized products and become the only gas station in the military town to offer a discount to current and former armed service members, for which Ivan is a proud advocate for.
Ciara Coral is an intensive outpatient facility that focuses on treating addiction and mental health disorders. The facility is located at 433 E. 19th St. #2 and will offer personalized treatment plans for each individual. Ivan has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health and hopes to help others by opening this facility.
To celebrate the grand opening of these two businesses, Ivan will be hosting a special block party-style event on Saturday, July 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, food trucks, and chances to win free tickets to Five Finger Death Punch’s show with Papa Roach at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
This exciting grand opening event is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. As an added bonus, a select group of fans and community members will be chosen to attend a private ceremony at a later date, where Ivan will be given a Key to the City for his incredible contributions to the community.
“I would like to use this opportunity/grand opening to introduce myself to my newfound family – the city of Cheyenne. Both of these new ventures mean so much to me and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”, said Ivan Moody. For more information about Moody’s Rock Stop and Ciara Coral please attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony July 15 at Moody’s Rock Stop – 901 W. Pershing Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82001.
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ announced the 2023 Frontier Nights® entertainment series tonight. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will return with its Team Series event and the complete concert schedule was released. In addition, the 127th annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo that will conclude with Championship Sunday, where champions are crowned, and legends are made.
Concert tickets will go on sale March 15 at 9 a.m. MDT at www.cfdrodeo.com. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Ticket Office will not be open for in-person sales on March 15 to accommodate purchase volume. The ticket office will re-open for in-person sales at 9 a.m. MDT on March 16.
“We are happy to be here sharing these names for this summer with all of you,” Contract Acts Chairman Scott Lewis said. “We can’t wait to see you all out here in July!”
The PBR Team Series 11-event season will include a three-day homestand event hosted by each of the eight teams. The 2023 season will begin in Cheyenne and will culminate in the 2023 Team Series Championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on October 20 – 22.
There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food and music that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.
Concert ticket prices range from $77 – $107, rooftop starts at $200. Daily rodeo tickets range from $23 – $48, rooftop starts at $100. PBR tickets range from $25 – $105.
A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets and $5 discount on concert tickets purchased before July 1.
Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone, a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets and a souvenir rodeo program. For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.
The CFD Ticket Office is the only authorized source of tickets for our event. All tickets for all concerts will go on-sale March 15 at 9 a.m. MDT
July 21: Eric Church with Paul Cauthen
July 22: Old Dominion with Chase Rice
July 23: Zach Bryan
July 24-25: Professional Bull Riders – Team Series
July 26: Five Finger Death Punch with Papa Roach
July 27: Tim McGraw with Kip Moore
July 28: Jon Pardi with Carly Pearce
July 29: Cody Johnson with Whiskey Myers
July 22-30: PRCA Rodeo Action
Planning for the 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days is underway, with the concert announcement coming on March 2!
When choosing concerts this year, keep things simple and safe by purchasing your tickets directly from cfdrodeo.com. When it comes to enjoying the star-studded, Cheyenne Frontier Days lineup this year, there’s only one party and it’s NOT third-party! Avoid ticket scalpers on third-party services, by buying from us.
Tickets range from $23-$48 for rodeo, $25-$105 for PBR, and $77-$107 for concerts. If you see higher prices, then it’s not directly from Cheyenne Frontier Days. V.I.P. tickets will range from $100-$300 and will be sold only through the Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Speaking of tickets… here’s an insider tip: Save the date for Zach Bryan, one of the hottest young stars to come around on July 23!
Cheyenne Frontier Days concert tickets will go on sale to the public on March 15.