If you've been looking for a reason to visit San Luis Obispo this weekend, you just found it. The 84th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo runs April 9–11, 2026, at Alex G. Spanos Stadium on the Cal Poly campus, and this year's event is a genuine milestone.
A Historic Return to Spanos Stadium
The rodeo is returning to Cal Poly's largest outdoor venue for the first time since 2019, and the move nearly triples audience capacity. For the past few years, the event was held at the smaller Sander Arena, where tickets sold out in under 30 minutes — with some nights gone in just 30 seconds. Spanos Stadium holds more than 12,000 spectators, and the three-day event could see more than 36,000 total attendees.
This isn't just a rodeo — it's a piece of Central Coast history.
What's Happening Each Night
All performances start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday night (April 9) opens with a motocross performance by The Flying Cowboyz and high-intensity bullfighting by Bullfighters Only, followed by a professional drone show. Also on Thursday night is the Cal Poly Rodeo Alumni Team Roping, where you might have a chance to see one of our very own team members competing. Lane & Jane Karney were both on the Cal Poly Rodeo Team during their time at their Alma Mater.
Friday and Saturday feature the traditional collegiate rodeo performances, each followed by a live concert. Friday's show highlights Cal Poly's senior and master's students, while Saturday is the Championship Short Round.
Friday's post-rodeo concert features Bayker Blankenship, a rising 20-year-old country star from Livingston, Tennessee.
The Competition
College rodeo athletes from across the West Coast compete for championship titles in barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling. Cal Poly Rodeo has won more national titles than any other college rodeo program in history — 45 and counting. Watching these athletes compete is something else entirely.
Tickets and Details
General admission is $50. VIP tickets are $150. Children under 3 are free. All proceeds benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program. Tickets are available at ticketscalpoly.evenue.net.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Poly Royal Rodeo? April 9–11, 2026 at Alex G. Spanos Stadium on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo, California. All performances begin at 6:30 p.m.
Is the Poly Royal Rodeo a good event for families? Absolutely. It's one of the most family-friendly events on the Central Coast — live rodeo, concerts, and the electric atmosphere of a college open house weekend. Children under 3 get in free.
How much do Poly Royal Rodeo tickets cost? General admission is $50 per night. VIP tickets are $150 and include an elevated experience with food and drinks. Purchase at ticketscalpoly.evenue.net.
What events are in the Poly Royal Rodeo? Competitors from across the West Coast go head-to-head in barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, and steer wrestling.
Why is the 2026 Poly Royal Rodeo extra special? It's the 84th annual event, the first year back at the larger Spanos Stadium since 2019, and it coincides with Cal Poly's 125th anniversary — making it one of the most significant years in the rodeo's long history.
