MSU’s Spartan Stampede honored as eight-time winner of Indoor Rodeo of the Year
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EmailThe Michigan State University Rodeo Club’s Spartan Stampede was awarded Indoor Rodeo of the Year for the eighth time by the International Professional Rodeo Association.
The Michigan State University Rodeo Club’s Spartan Stampede was awarded Indoor Rodeo of the Year for the eighth time by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA). IPRA is the second-largest professional rodeo association, sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos across the United States and Canada.
“The Rodeo Club has been working so hard for the past few years to try and win Indoor Rodeo of the Year for the eighth time, so this is a huge accomplishment,” said Eliza LaFavers, president of the MSU Rodeo Club. “Going onstage and celebrating this win with all the club members there was the best feeling.”
The MSU Rodeo Club’s mission is to keep the traditions and heritage of the American sport of rodeo alive, as well as educate others through community outreach. The club organizes and promotes the annual Spartan Stampede rodeo at MSU.
“To be chosen as the Indoor Rodeo of the Year for the eighth time is amazing, especially when Michigan is not necessarily known for rodeo,” says Dr. Brian Nielsen, professor in MSU’s Department of Animal Science and advisor to the MSU Rodeo Club. Nielsen is quick to emphasize that the Spartan Stampede is entirely run by the students. “A lot of professional rodeos have a standing committee with years of experience. But we're working with a constant changeover of new students that are excited about putting this show on. I love that students are learning how to run a major event.”
Nielsen also credits the success of Spartan Stampede to its fan support. The event attracts approximately 10,000 attendees each year. “We are so lucky to have the Farm Bureau Pavilion where we can host a rodeo in the middle of winter in Michigan. Fans love the sport of rodeo, and our western heritage. It gives people a chance to put on their cowboy hats and boots for the weekend, and we have great crowds.”
The 56th annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo will be held February 13–15, 2026 at the Farm Bureau Pavilion. For more information, visit msurodeo.com.
