A capacity crowd of 16,500 fans packed the Salinas Sports Complex Friday night as the 116th California Rodeo Salinas celebrated Ag Appreciation Night, presented by Church Brothers Farms. The second consecutive sellout highlighted another exciting evening of PRCA rodeo action and celebrated the hardworking farmers, ranchers and agricultural community that make the Salinas Valley famous.
Fans also cheered on the always-popular Produce Mascot Competition, where Foxy Produce claimed this year's bragging rights.
As competitors completed their second go-round in several events, the race for the coveted California Rodeo Salinas championship buckles tightened heading into the weekend.
Current Leaders
- Bareback Riding (First Round Leader): Kashton Ford, 85 points on Bridwell Pro Rodeos' Whipski
- Steer Wrestling (Average Leader): Colten Leech, 18.0 seconds on two head
- Team Roping (Average Leaders): Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham, 16.1 seconds on two head
- Saddle Bronc Riding (First Round Leader): Logan Hay, 86.5 points on Corey & Lange Rodeo's Popeye
- Tie-Down Roping (Average Leader): Haven Meged, 19.1 seconds on two head
- Barrel Racing (Average Leader): Abby Phillips, 32.10 seconds on two head
- Bull Riding (First Round Leaders): TJ Gray on Four Star Rodeo's Stranger Danger and Jace Trosclair on Corey & Lange Rodeo's Uncorked, 89.5 points
Complete results are available at prorodeo.com.
The Rodeo continues this weekend with two exciting performances:
- Saturday, July 18 – Salute to Military Day, presented by Tanimura & Antle
- Sunday, July 19 – Crown Royal Day of Champions, when the 2026 California Rodeo Salinas champions will be crowned.
Tickets are still available for both Saturday and Sunday performances and can be purchased online at CARODEO.com or at the Salinas Sports Complex Ticket Office beginning at 10 a.m. daily.
A clear bag policy is in effect. Visit CARODEO.com for ticket information, parking details, and a complete schedule of events.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS
The 116th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2026. As a not-for-profit organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and community groups through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, these efforts generated over $856,000 for local organizations.
For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.
