SDSU Rodeo Club Hosts 70th Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo and Banquet

The annual event features a full weekend of collegiate rodeo action and a fundraising banquet.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:24am

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The South Dakota State University Rodeo Club is hosting its 70th annual Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo on April 9-11 at the Dacotah Bank Center in Brookings. The event will bring together collegiate rodeo athletes from across the Great Plains Region, with SDSU fielding the largest contingent of 38 competitors. The weekend also includes the 'Buckles and Bling' rodeo team banquet, which serves as a major fundraiser for the club.

Why it matters

The Jackrabbit Stampede is a long-standing SDSU tradition dating back to the 1950s, and the event draws thousands of fans each year to watch top collegiate rodeo talent. The banquet also plays a crucial role in supporting the rodeo team's travel and expenses throughout the season, relying on the community's support.

The details

The Jackrabbit Stampede will feature 16 teams and over 300 contestants competing in various rodeo events. SDSU rodeo head coach Ron Skovly says the event provides a 'pro-rodeo environment' with top-notch production and announcers. The 'Buckles and Bling' banquet on April 9 includes scholarship presentations, a team introduction, senior recognition, a buffet meal, and live and silent auctions to raise funds for the team.

  • The Jackrabbit Stampede rodeo will take place on April 10-11, with sessions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
  • The 'Buckles and Bling' rodeo team banquet will be held on Thursday, April 9, in Club 71 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

The players

Ron Skovly

The head coach of the SDSU rodeo team.

Jazzlyn McGirr

A graphic design major, Rodeo Club president, and women's team captain for SDSU.

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What they’re saying

“This is always an exciting weekend. We'll have parents, alumni and supporters in town for both the banquet and the rodeo. We always have great announcers and overall rodeo staff. The rodeo alone usually draws between 3,500 and 4,000 fans, so it's always a busy but fun time for our team and the community.”

— Ron Skovly, SDSU rodeo head coach

“Almost every year we sell out the Dacotah Bank Center, and just seeing the crowd full is amazing. To a lot of people, it might just be another rodeo. But for us, it's what we work all year for.”

— Jazzlyn McGirr, SDSU Rodeo Club president and women's team captain

What’s next

The Jackrabbit Stampede rodeo will take place on April 10-11, with sessions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available on the Dacotah Bank Center's website.

The takeaway

The Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo and 'Buckles and Bling' banquet are long-standing SDSU traditions that showcase the university's strong rodeo program and the community's support for the sport. The event provides an opportunity for collegiate athletes to compete at a high level while also serving as a major fundraiser to sustain the team's activities throughout the season.