Country Artist Aaron Watson to Perform April 14 at the 2018 Poly Royal Rodeo at Cal Poly

Contact: AnnMarie Cornejo 

805-756-2427; ancornej@calpoly.edu 

Texas country superstar Aaron Watson will take the stage as the headline musical performer on April 14 as part of the 78th annual Poly Royal Rodeo at Cal Poly’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium. 

Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is hosting the concert, which is open to the public. Watson, a Texas native, is known for his rise as an independent artist. His 2015 album, “The Underdog,” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s country music chart. The lead single from his 2017 album, “Vaquero,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 1 on Billboard’s all genre Indie Albums chart. 

Watson will perform at 7:30 p.m. after the April 14 rodeo event. Tickets  go on sale today at https://tickets.calpoly.edu (the Saturday rodeo ticket includes the post-show concert). All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.

The Poly Royal will be held April 13-14 at the Spanos Stadium, with two back-to-back evening rodeo performances followed by Aaron Watson’s performance Saturday night. The venue allows for a capacity of 11,000 spectators. For concert updates and information, visit ASI Events on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ASIEvents/

The Friday evening rodeo, beginning at 7 p.m., will include kid-friendly activities, and children under 10 years old get in free. Tickets are $20 for students, $25 for general admission and $40 for chair-back seats.

The Saturday rodeo event, beginning at 5:30 p.m., includes the live post-show concert by Watson. Tickets are $10 for children ages 2-10, $25 for students, $30 for general admission, and $50 for chair-back seats. Admission is free for children under 2.

The Poly Royal Rodeo is the marquee event on campus during Cal Poly’s annual Open House. College rodeo athletes from all over the West Coast will compete for a championship 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 stunts, clown acts, calf dressing and more

About Cal Poly Rodeo

Cal Poly Rodeo, coached by Ben Londo, is one of the most successful programs in the history of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). Cal Poly sent six men to the inaugural College National Finals Rodeo in 1949. Since then, Cal Poly Rodeo’s student-athletes have won 45 national titles — more national titles than any other college rodeo program. The program is open to all Cal Poly students. 

About Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, comprehensive polytechnic university. The university’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (cafes.calpoly.edu) is comprised of expert faculty members who take pride in their ability to transform academically motivated students into innovative professionals ready to solve the complex challenges associated with feeding the world in sustainable ways. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including ranch land, orchards, vineyards and forests, all of which provide the basis for Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing methodology. It is the fifth-largest college of agriculture in the country, with 4,000 undergraduate students.

About Associated Students Inc. (ASI) 

ASI is an inclusive, empowering, student-driven organization committed to providing programs, services, and facilities that enhance and develop the student learning experience. Cal Poly students are stakeholders in ASI and have access to leadership positions through Student Government and on-campus employment. All of these opportunities are designed to complement Cal Poly’s educational mission, support a balanced education, and give students ownership and pride in their college experience.

Note to editors: Higher-resolution photo available upon request.

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