PRCA relocates headquarters, Hall of Fame to Albuequerque

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson recently announced that the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the largest and oldest rodeo sanctioning body in the world, has chosen Albuquerque as the location for its new headquarters and ProRodeo Hall of Fame facility. This move will bring 85 full-time jobs, a $3.35 million payroll and approximately 50,000 annual Hall of Fame visitors to Albuquerque.

"This announcement is a win for the entire state of New Mexico," Governor Richardson said. "This move will have a major positive impact, not just on rodeo in New Mexico, but on New Mexico's economy as well."

"The move to New Mexico is a very exciting development for the sport of ProRodeo," stated Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Commissioner Troy Ellerman. "The PRCA Board of Directors and administration sees this as more than an attractive financial offer. It's also a great opportunity to grow the ProRodeo brand, and elevate professional rodeo to the level of other major league sports."

ProRodeo is a multimillion-dollar industry that will have a major positive impact on New Mexico's economy. As part of the agreement, the PRCA has agreed to both bring major rodeo events to New Mexico and promote the state at their out-of-state events. In 2005, 24 million spectators purchased tickets to PRCA events, PRCA rodeos paid out over $35 million in prize money and contributed in excess of $25 million to charitable causes and scholarships.

The exact details of the agreement to move the PRCA to New Mexico are still being finalized. This includes the exact location of the headquarters and ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Albuquerque. However, the package will include state funding assistance to help finance the construction of a new facility within the next 18 months, and $5 million to promote the sport of ProRodeo. The governor announced more of the funding details on Monday, Feb. 13 at a news conference with PRCA officials in the Governor's Office in Santa Fe. The package will include a public/private partnership.

"For generations, rodeo has been an important part of our culture," said Governor Richardson. "This announcement will ensure that rodeo remains a vital and exciting part of New Mexico's future as well."

This announcement builds upon the efforts the Richardson administration has already made to grow rodeo in New Mexico. These include the $3 million the governor has pledged to improve rodeo facilities at local fairgrounds across the state, $700,000 in funding to support 4-H rodeo programs, junior high and high school rodeo programs, as well as college scholarships and open rodeo programs. Governor Richardson has also announced that this year will also see New Mexico's first-ever Collegiate Rodeo Finals, an annual event that will allow New Mexico's five higher-education institutions with rodeo programs to face off for the state rodeo title.

Last year, Governor Richardson created the New Mexico Rodeo Council, and he supports building the new equestrian facility that was recommended to him by the Council. The governor has asked the Rodeo Council to identify a location for this facility that will best suit the needs of the most New Mexicans.

"This is not part of the deal, but it seems to make sense to locate this equestrian facility within easy access of the PRCA's world-class operation in Albuquerque," said Governor Richardson.

The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards.

The PRCA, a membership-based organization, sanctions more than 650 rodeos annually, which draw 24 million attendees. The PRCA showcases the world's best cowboys in premier events through the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour winter and summer series and its championship events, PRCA Xtreme Bulls, the PRCA's world-championship bull riding tour; and the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Action from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and its premier events appears on Fox Sports Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Date: 2/20/06