Spring Break
Rodeo returns to town after long break
SAM STEINBERG
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Out & About
Break out the blue jeans, belt buckles and boots - the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo is returning to Athens after spending the past four years outside of Athens-Clarke County.
The student-run rodeo will take place tonight through Saturday at the Livestock Teaching Arena located at the corner of South Milledge Avenue and Whitehall Drive. The professional-style rodeo is a production of the Block and Bridal club.
The students organize almost every aspect of the event, including getting sponsors, food, bleachers, rodeo clowns and more. It is the only student-run rodeo in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, and the student organizers manage a budget of over $60,000.
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Performances at 8 p.m.
Where: Livestock Teaching Arena (South Milledge and Whitehall Drive)
Cost: $10/student
More info: http://www.uga.edu/bandb/tickets.html
This year, the rodeo has special significance since it will take place close to campus inside the borders of ACC. The Great Southern Stampede Rodeo started in 1974 and was held in Stegeman Coliseum from its inaugural year until 2003. In 2004, the rodeo was moved to Heritage Park in Farmington, which is more than 30 miles from downtown Athens. For University students, many of whom are unfamiliar with the side roads of Nor-theast Georgia, the drive out to Heritage Park was not an appetizing venture.
"We were so far away it was physically difficult for people [to] make [it] out there," said Jake Willcox, this year's rodeo chairman for the Block and Bridal club.
"We have such an adva-ntage being here. We are so much closer to campus - there are 35,000 students just down the street that can buy tickets," Willcox said. "Being back on campus is huge for us. We've gotten more support from our University community than we have ever had."
To Willcox, the rodeo should be a part of any discussion on Athens' heritage.
"There is a ton of heritage in this town," Willcox said in his classic Southern accent. "You come out to this rodeo and it is a piece of Athens' heritage that is as old as anything."
The student-run rodeo will take place tonight through Saturday at the Livestock Teaching Arena located at the corner of South Milledge Avenue and Whitehall Drive. The professional-style rodeo is a production of the Block and Bridal club.
The students organize almost every aspect of the event, including getting sponsors, food, bleachers, rodeo clowns and more. It is the only student-run rodeo in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, and the student organizers manage a budget of over $60,000.
GREAT SOUTHERN STAMPEDE RODEO
When: Tonight through SaturdayGates open at 6 p.m.
Performances at 8 p.m.
Where: Livestock Teaching Arena (South Milledge and Whitehall Drive)
Cost: $10/student
More info: http://www.uga.edu/bandb/tickets.html
This year, the rodeo has special significance since it will take place close to campus inside the borders of ACC. The Great Southern Stampede Rodeo started in 1974 and was held in Stegeman Coliseum from its inaugural year until 2003. In 2004, the rodeo was moved to Heritage Park in Farmington, which is more than 30 miles from downtown Athens. For University students, many of whom are unfamiliar with the side roads of Nor-theast Georgia, the drive out to Heritage Park was not an appetizing venture.
"We were so far away it was physically difficult for people [to] make [it] out there," said Jake Willcox, this year's rodeo chairman for the Block and Bridal club.
"We have such an adva-ntage being here. We are so much closer to campus - there are 35,000 students just down the street that can buy tickets," Willcox said. "Being back on campus is huge for us. We've gotten more support from our University community than we have ever had."
To Willcox, the rodeo should be a part of any discussion on Athens' heritage.
"There is a ton of heritage in this town," Willcox said in his classic Southern accent. "You come out to this rodeo and it is a piece of Athens' heritage that is as old as anything."
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 18
ll
posted 4/17/08 @ 9:33 AM EST
What fun, people abusing animals for money. Can't wait to support that kind of entertainment!
Rae Sikora
posted 4/17/08 @ 10:11 AM EST
Wilcox says this should be included as part of Athen's heritage. Athens heritage also includes cotton fields worked with slave labor. I am sure he doesn't want to continue that heritage. (Continued…)
CR
posted 4/17/08 @ 12:14 PM EST
I am so disappointed in my fellow students. How is bringing torture close to campus an accomplishment? Athens is a progressive community and we should be looking into the future, finding ways to improve instead of regressing to barbaric activities. (Continued…)
Shut Up
posted 4/17/08 @ 3:17 PM EST
Get a grip you freaking liberals. Your "abusing" all the trees through all the books you read for entertainment.
Dawn
posted 4/21/08 @ 1:20 AM EST
The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo is part of the UGA heritage. Stegman Coliseum was built for the intention of hosting livestock shows and allowing the Block and Bridle club to host our Rodeo every year (until the College of Ag sold the Coliseum to the Athletic Department). (Continued…)
rodeoabuse.com
posted 4/21/08 @ 10:01 AM EST
Don't take anyone's word for it -- let pictures and video speak for themselves.
http://www.rodeoabuse.com/
http://www.sharkonline.org/
Animal Science Major
posted 4/22/08 @ 5:37 PM EST
I am also an Ag major who enjoys rodeos and is an animal lover. I have rescued 3 dogs from animal shelters and a horse that had been abused and neglected. (Continued…)
Rodeo Fan
posted 4/22/08 @ 9:57 PM EST
Well said Animal Science Major!
Not to stir up any controversy, but I am a rodeo fan and a UGA student who is not affiliated with this particular club, although I do remember the Rodeo when it was held at the coliseum, and am glad it was more accessible this year. (Continued…)
Chris Hudson
posted 3/31/09 @ 7:50 PM EST
I am a fith generation farmer here in rural georgia. I make my living farming, and raising animals. It is because of ignorant people who don't have a clue what raising, and taking care of animals is all about that everyone should go to the rodeo. (Continued…)
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