Shad Mayfield shares his passion and euphoria ahead of this year’s The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, April 11 to 12.
Shad Mayfield is top five in 2024 world standing for tie-down roping.
The 12th annual American Rodeo weekend kicks off April 11 to 12 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Owned and produced by Teton Ridge, The American Rodeo has quickly evolved from a one-day event into a multi-day, internationally renowned competition, featuring a star-studded entertainment lineup. As the premier stage in Western sports, the event draws tens of thousands of spectators in the arena, with millions more tuning in live on FOX and streaming worldwide.
A trailblazer in professional rodeo and one of only three Black world champions in history, Shad Mayfield, who hails from Lipan, Texas, will be competing in tie-down roping. In 2024, Mayfield clinched his first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association title, cementing his status as a rising star to watch. With six professional rodeo victories under his belt, his passion for the sport is undeniable. Here he shares his determination and the wow moments of the rodeo you won't want to miss.
The American Rodeo is the only event where top-ranked pros face off against everyday cowboys and cowgirls who earn their way in through qualifying events.
What’s the overall atmosphere like when Globe Life Field meets Rodeo?
The energy is unreal! I’ve competed at Globe Life Field a few times, and every time I step into that stadium—whether it’s for rodeo or even catching a baseball game—you can feel the electricity in the air. But when rodeo takes over, it’s on a whole different level. It’s this perfect collision of tradition and high-energy sports, where the grit of the Western lifestyle meets the big-league atmosphere of a world-class venue. You’ve got the roar of the crowd, the best athletes in the sport going head-to-head and a feeling that something legendary is about to happen. That’s what makes it special.
How’s the rodeo history getting a modern twist?
Rodeo is built on tradition, but now we’re bringing it into stadiums like Globe Life Field and putting it on the biggest stages with the biggest payouts—so it’s evolving in real-time. The American Rodeo is a prime example of that. We’re still honoring the roots of the sport, but we’re also making it bigger, louder and more exciting for a new generation. The production, the lights, the music—it’s all on another level. And what’s really cool is that it’s drawing in fans from all walks of life, whether they grew up on a ranch or in the middle of the city. Rodeo’s never been more accessible, and I think that’s what makes it so special right now.
What’s the one thing fans won’t want to miss?
The Shootout Round—no question. That’s where you’ll see the best of the best going all out for a shot at a million-dollar payday. The intensity, the adrenaline, the way the crowd gets into it—it’s something you’ve got to experience at least once. You’re watching the top four competitors in each event leave it all out there in a winner-takes-all battle, and that kind of pressure creates some unreal moments. And hey, if you’re in Globe Life Field, you might as well grab a stadium hotdog while you’re watching—it’s all part of the experience!
This year's roster showcases the sport's most dominant athletes and inspiring comeback stories.
Rodeo newbies: What will their ‘wow’ moment be?
That first moment when the lights go down, the intro video plays and then the national anthem starts—that’s when you realize this isn’t just any event, it’s The American Rodeo. You’ll feel the energy shift in the whole stadium, and it gives you chills every time. It’s a full-on spectacle, but at its core, it’s about pride, patriotism and the grit of rodeo. Once the first rider explodes out of the chute, you’ll really understand why this sport is unlike anything else.
Best rodeo grub?
You can’t go wrong with a classic ballpark hotdog—especially at Globe Life Field. There is something about watching a world-class rodeo while holding a hotdog in one hand and your favorite candy in the other just hits different. It’s simple, but it’s a staple. Plus, rodeo and good food go hand in hand, so you’ve gotta fuel up for all the action.
Photography by: Courtesy of subject and The American Rodeo
