2026 Poly Royal Rodeo Returns to the Alex G. Spanos Stadium

 

 

The 84th annual Poly Royal Rodeo is gearing up for a landmark year as it returns to Cal Poly’s largest outdoor venue, the Alex G. Spanos Stadium, bringing with it an expanded and elevated spectator experience.

Scheduled for April 9-11, 2026, the rodeo’s move back to Spanos Stadium will nearly double audience capacity, allowing more supporters to witness one of the university’s most celebrated traditions. The stadium previously hosted the event for three consecutive years through 2019, drawing record-breaking crowds and helping drive vital support for the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.

Following a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, Poly Royal Rodeo resumed in 2022 at the Manfred and Jean Sander Arena at the Cal Poly Rodeo grounds while Spanos Stadium underwent key upgrades. With improvements now complete, the rodeo is poised to make a dynamic return to the stadium, setting the stage for its biggest and most immersive showcase yet.

“For the past several years, we’ve been working toward returning to the larger stadium,” Cal Poly Rodeo coach Ben Londo said. “Making this move back will not only enhance the experience for spectators but also give more supporters and fans the chance to watch our students perform. These outstanding athletes embody teamwork and responsibility, and this opportunity to present their hard work on a bigger stage is truly well deserved.”

The Poly Royal Rodeo, held during Cal Poly’s annual Open House weekend, is deeply rooted in the university’s history and remains one of its most revered events. This year’s performance coincides with the 125th anniversary of Cal Poly and  the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, honoring a tradition of building the future on the legacy of the past.  

College rodeo athletes from all over the West Coast will compete for a championship title in events such as barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. The rodeo will also include concerts after each performance. Those acts will be announced at a later date. 

The cost of hosting the rodeo at the stadium will be paid for by sponsorships, donors and ticket sales. Last year nearly 3,000 people attended the standing room only rodeo for three consecutive nights. Spanos Stadium can accommodate more than 11,000 guests each night.

Tickets will go on sale on Feb. 11, 2026, at https://ticketscalpoly.evenue.net. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.