News Details (Posted: November 30, 2005):

Rodeo returning to Norco, By Amy Frye, Staff Writer Daily Bulletin

Full Description:

NORCO -- Favored unanimously by the City Council, the California Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals will return to Norco in January for the fourth year, in what many hope will become an established annual event. "This is a long-term relationship that we needed to have," said Ted Hoffman, vice president of the California Pro Rodeo Circuit Board. "This has been our goal the whole time," he said. "We want to stay (in Norco)." The circuit finals rodeo has been held in Red Bluff, Del Mar, Rancho Murrieta, Palm Springs, Sacramento and Lake Elsinore, but Hoffman said the board feels that Norco is the best location for the rodeo. "Norco is unique because you've got the fan base right there, built-in cowboys and cowgirls," Hoffman said. Under the new agreement the city has no financial responsibility for the event's success. "This year the circuit is paying for everything," Hoffman said. "The city is allowing us the facility and hopefully we can give them some money back on this thing." Most years the rodeo breaks even, Hoffman said, but sold-out crowds each night could turn a profit. To cover costs, the circuit board had to rustle up support from statewide sponsors, something they've been trying to do for years. With the threat of no rodeo this year, the board was able to secure the needed funds by August. Some expressed concern that local sponsors were being stretched too thin with three rodeos in town. Hoffman said the board is not pressuring anyone in Norco to pledge money, and the board only started asking for local sponsors after exhausting statewide sponsors. Brian Petree, director of parks and recreation for Norco, said although ticket sales might not be profitable in the beginning, increased sales tax revenue that weekend makes keeping the rodeo in Norco worthwhile. Another change to January's event is that instead of two rodeos on Saturday and one on Sunday, there will be evening rodeos on Friday and Saturday and a matinee rodeo on Sunday. "The cost is a little extra, but I think it will be covered by the additional fans we'll get Friday night," Hoffman said. Despite being upset that they were not kept in the planning loop, the City Council supported the rodeo staying in Norco. On Nov. 16, the council voted unanimously to co-host the rodeo for two years. "I'm really happy that the rodeo is coming to town ... but it's hard to hear about it through the grapevine," said Councilwoman Kathy Azevedo. Petree said in the future he will make sure to keep the council in the loop with any similar negotiations. The upcoming circuit finals rodeo will be held at Ingalls Park on Jan. 13, 14 and 15. For more information, visit www.californiaprorodeo.com. Amy Frye can be reached by e-mail at amy.frye@dailybulletin.com or by phone at (909) 483-9347