Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo Adds Utah Team Penning Cup to Rodeo Week
The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City along with the United States Team Penning Association (USTPA) will bring more western flair to the valley during rodeo week in July with the inaugural Utah Team Penning Cup.
The Utah Team Penning Cup will feature teams from across the United States split into six classes from Elite to Open with $25,000 in added prize money. Preliminary competition will be held July 19-22 at the Desert Peak Complex in Tooele, Utah, with the top four teams daily competing in a showdown round during the rodeo performance at the Days of ’47 Arena at Utah State Fairpark.
“We are really looking forward to bringing this fast pace exciting event to Utah as we continue to bring new western entertainment to our great fans during rodeo week,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo General Manager. “If you have never seen this event, you will want to make plans to take in the action. This event truly showcases horsemanship in a very competitive team atmosphere.”
Team Penning is a sporting event that involves the movement of cattle on horseback by rider teams. Created to preserve the traditional skill sets of working cow horses and handlers, the event challenges modern riders and mounts to compete in a timed event to identify, move and pen specific cattle from a herd in under 60 seconds. Each team consists of three riders – male or female – and the fastest team that accurately pens the correct animals wins. Team penning involves speed, precision and strategic planning in order to quickly and accurately cut and pen the cattle.
“The USTPA is thrilled to be part of the Days of ’47 Rodeo,” said Cody Wood, UTSPA Executive Director. “The innovation and growth of the rodeo has been very noticeable over the last few years. We can’t wait to bring one of the fastest growing Western Sports to the Days of ’47 fans. Team Penning is fast paced with edge of your seat action and should be a great fit to an outstanding rodeo!”
The competition in Tooele, Utah, will be open and free to the public. The showdown round during the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo will require a ticket to that night’s performance.
In addition to Team Penning, the USTPA will also host a Ranch Sorting competition on Sunday, July 24 in Tooele. Ranch sorting requires that two riders move a herd of 10 cattle in numerical order from one round pen into a separate adjoining pen in sixty seconds or less.
For more information on Team Penning and Ranch Sorting visit www.ustpa.com and for more information on the Only Gold Medal Rodeo in the World – Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo – slated for July 19-22, 24, 2023 visit www.utahdaysof47rodeo.com. Tickets are now on sale for the rodeo.
About Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo
The event takes place at the $17.5 million, state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark each July. The venue—an outdoor arena located in the heart of Salt Lake City—features over 10,000 stadium-style seats. The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1847. The rodeo, and other Days of ’47 events, commemorate the day – July 24, 1847 – when a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley. The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is a private, non-profit, volunteer, charitable organization. Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s kids. Please visit utahdaysof47rodeo.com for more information.
About United States Team Penning Association (USTPA)
The United States Team Penning Association, Inc. (USTPA) is the premier sports organization for competitive Team Penning and Ranch Sorting. The USTPA was formed as a member-owned nonprofit association in 1993 to promote Team Penning and Ranch Sorting across the United States and internationally, with standardized rules and a rider rating system designed to provide fair competition for beginners to experienced riders. The USTPA is filled with some of the best Equestrian Athletes in the World. Each Athlete competes all year long to make it to the World Finals and a shot at over $600,000 in Cash and Prizes! The Future of Team Penning and Ranch Sorting is in good hands with amazing Youth Athletes as well. The USTPA is committed to providing great competition and opportunities for every member. Come be a part of one of the fastest growing Western Sports in the World, at the USTPA! Visit www.ustpa.com.