International Professional Rodeo Association


The International Professional Rodeo Association is the second-largest American rodeo organization in the world. It sanctions rodeos in the United States and Canada, with members from said countries, as well as others. Its championship event is the International Finals Rodeo, held every January.

History

The association was originally named the International Rodeo Association and, in 1957, it named their first world champion. It was the first to recognize cowgirl barrel racing as a championship event. In 1964, it created a Board of Governors, which consisted of performers, producers, fans, contestants, and contractors. In 1983, it was renamed the International Professional Rodeo Association. In 1990, the association signed a deal with the Oklahoma City All Sports Association to hold the IFR at the Myriad Convention Center, where it stayed until 1997. The IFR stayed in Oklahoma City until moving to Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Lazy E Arena in 2020.

Organization

The IPRA has been sanctioning rodeos for over 50 years in cities of all sizes. It sanctions almost 300 rodeos throughout the country, making it the second largest organization in the sport. The association is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Montana Silversmiths partners with the IPRA and provides their belt buckles and is recognized as the "Official Silversmiths of the IPRA." The IPRA is registered on Bloomberg. The IPRA announced in August 28, 2019, that the IFR will now be held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Additionally, the Miss Rodeo USA pageant is held at the IFR every year. The Miss Rodeo USA Association has represented the IFR for over five decades.

IPRA events