The Wylie Championship Rodeo is listed for this weekend at the Wylie Rodeo Arena off Hensley Lane, according to the Wylie Times events calendar, despite an August announcement that the 30-year-old tradition was canceled for 2026.
The listing shows gates opening at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, with competition starting at 7:50 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 4–12 and $5 for seniors. A free park-and-ride shuttle will run from Sanden International at 601 Sanden Blvd. both nights.
That schedule contradicts what residents heard just weeks ago. On Aug. 5, Chamber CEO Tina Stelnicki called the cancellation "an incredibly difficult decision," as Sachse News reported. Officials said they could not find a temporary venue while renovations were underway at the Wylie ISD rodeo facility.
No public statement from the Chamber or the City of Wylie explaining the reversal has surfaced. As of Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Chamber's rodeo page still states the rodeo will return in 2027.
The Wylie Times, however, has published multiple event listings since early September placing the rodeo at the arena behind Wylie High School. A Wylie Times preview listing describes the rodeo as the major event anchoring the fall season on the City of Wylie's events calendar.
The rodeo is back.
The event is sanctioned by the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) and sponsored by the Chamber. The program features bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing and roping. Saturday night adds more than 50 concession and vendor booths, free kids' games, and a Kiddie Korral with inflatables and a petting zoo.
Residents looking to confirm details can check the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association website.
If you go:
- When: Gates at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:50 p.m. both nights
- Where: Wylie Rodeo Arena, Hensley Lane (behind Wylie High School), Wylie
- Tickets: $20 adults, $5 children (4–12), $5 seniors
- Parking: Free shuttle from Sanden International, 601 Sanden Blvd.
