There’s reason to argue that six commercial roping arenas within a 35-mile radius is too many, but not when you’re talking about Wickenburg, Ariz., in the “heat” of the winter—it works. Here’s a glance at the six local jackpot arenas and the producers who make it happen.
Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds
The forefather of roping in Wickenburg, Beaver Bird, introduced the original Over 40 Tuesday jackpots 15 years ago. In 2013 they moved their Beaver Horseworld Tuesdays to the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds and still top team counts every week. Additionally, the Rodeo Grounds plays host to a multitude of specialty weekends including Scott Whitworth’s Silver Bit Classic; a three-day, 2,000- team knockout.
Simpson Ranch Arena
In their sixth season, Larry, Sharon and Sage Simpson run Wednesdays and Fridays at their family ranch. Less than a halfmile from the center stoplight in the middle of town, their location is a prime spot for the #3, #4 and #5 ropers they like to cater to. Wednesdays are for the over 40 and all ladies, while their Fridays are open to everyone. With so many ropers calling Simpson Ranch home, their 50 RV spaces are booked well in advance, but they do keep a waiting list.
Downtown Arena
Mike Fuller, his wife, Karen, and daughter, Macy, purchased the Downtown Arena this year and are currently expanding it to include 20 RV spaces and 40 covered pens. Fuller and Dean McIntyre produce ropings there three days a week (Monday, Thursday and Sunday) from October to the end of April and try to cater to everyone hosting everything from Open ropings right down to #8s. They also have an over 40 day and next year plan to try some over 50 ropings too. This arena is truly within walking distance of downtown Wickenburg, a big win if your signifi cant other doesn’t want to watch you rope all day.
McFarlands Arena
This will be Kyle Chrisman’s third year producing ropings at McFarland’s Arena which is located about 15 miles west of Wickenburg in the Forepaugh area. Being under 40, Chrisman decided not to put any age limits on his Monday or Wednesday jackpots and his format works, drawing an average of 150-180 teams each day. His largest Wednesday in 2015 drew 350 teams.
A Wyoming native, Chrisman still heads home to Big Piney for the summers but admits, “Arizona sucks you right in.”
Western Trails Ranch
Jim Nichols, Ty Smith and Nick Nichols of High Call Productions have been using Western Trails Ranch, a one-of-a-kind facility located 12 miles south of Wickenburg, to produce their weekly jackpots. Typically, on Thursdays they cater to the traditional over 40 crowd and Saturday they try to stay opposite the other Saturday producers by starting with a #9 followed by a #11 and then fi nish with an Open #13. Western Trails Ranch offers an adjacent bull riding arena, with a full service restaurant and bar with patio tables where you can just kick back, relax and watch the roping.
Rancho Rio Arena
With a two-arena set up, Rancho Rio can get through the teams—and quick. Located on 55 acres minutes from downtown Wickenburg, the multi-use facility has 20 RV spaces, 110 stalls, two arenas and hosts over 25,000 team roping teams annually. Last year their schedule included weekly ropings on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, plus featured National Team Roping Tour ropings on most Wednesday and Sundays. Rancho Rio is the home of Gold Rush Week where they rope for 11 days straight and includes the National Nine and National Eight Finales.
