About the South Dakota Rodeo Center

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In 1989, rodeo supporters, friends and family members visited the ailing Casey Tibbs. One of his personal wishes was that if a rodeo center were to be built it would be used to pay tribute to all South Dakotans in the rodeo field.
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A $22,500 donation was given by Casey's brother Ancel Tibbs to purchase five acres of land where the outside shell of the Rodeo Center now stands.  Board member Bernard Duffy has donated an adjoining three acres of land (valued at $15,000).  The Rodeo Center is located in a prime location on a bluff overlooking the sister cities of Pierre and Fort Pierre, and the rivers that run through them (the Missouri and Bad Rivers).  The view from the top floor window of the Rodeo Center is breathtaking - you can see for miles in all directions!

The Center will collect and display the rodeo memorabilia of superstars like Casey Tibbs and Mattie Goff-Newcombe, but its broader reach will extend into the culture of rodeo.  Display rooms will showcase the contributions made by:

• Rodeo Clowns, Announcers, and Entertainment Acts

• Indian, Pro and Amateur Rodeo Groups

• Ranch Cowboys and Stock Contractors

• 4-H, Little Britches, High School, and College Rodeo