SAN LUIS OBISPO — Texas country music sensation Casey Donahew will bring his legendary live show to the headline concert at the 79th annual Poly Royal Rodeo at Cal Poly’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium. He will perform after the rodeo Saturday, April 13.

Donahew has risen from a favorite in the Texas music scene to a national sensation, with 16 No. 1 singles, all released independently of major record labels.

A second concert has been added to the weekend’s festivities. Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band will take the stage Friday, April 12, after the rodeo — as well as playing an opening set before Donahew’s Saturday performance.

The Friday evening rodeo is slated for 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children ages 2 to 10; $25 for students, $30 for general admission and $45 for chair-back seats. Admission is free for children under 2.

The final rodeo event will be at 5:30 p.m. April 13, followed by the Casey Donahew Band at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for children ages 2 to 10, $30 for students, $35 for general admission, and $55 for chair-back seats. Admission is free for children under 2. Concert-only tickets for Saturday’s performance are available for $10.

The Poly Royal Rodeo is a marquee event on campus during Cal Poly’s annual Open House. With a performance each night, followed by a concert Friday and Saturday, many of the 45,000 people on campus that weekend will have an opportunity to enjoy the event.

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, a Cinch Chute-Out, extreme motocross stuntmen the Flying Cowboyz, clown acts, and more.

Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is hosting the concert performances, which are open to the public. Tickets are on sale at https://tickets.calpoly.edu. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.

For concert updates and information, visit ASI Events on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ASIEvents/.

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). Since 1949, Cal Poly Rodeo’s student-athletes have won 45 national titles – more 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.

Photo information: Images from the 2018 Poly Royal Rodeo, by Phil Doyle.

Contact: AnnMarie Cornejo
805-756-2427; ancornej@calpoly.edu

February 1, 2019