On March 3, 2020, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced their new agreement with the Calgary Stampede. (See our blog.) In the announcement, the PRCA stated:
“The Calgary Stampede Rodeo will continue to invite competitors through a qualification process that allows all competitors at the top of their game to receive a much sought-after Stampede spot. All of the invited athletes must have a PRCA membership.”
I immediately double-checked with Scott Kaniewski, Media contact for the PRCA — and he confirmed today that in fact, the Barrel Racers DO NOT have to purchase a PRCA membership to compete at the Calgary Stampede.
Terri Mason, Editor, Canadian Cowboy Country magazine