RENO, Nev. (AP) - The century-old Reno Rodeo has canceled this year’s 10-day event in June due to the new coronavirus outbreak.
Reno Rodeo President Craig Downie said in a letter to the rodeo’s board of directors on Thursday that canceling the event scheduled June 18-27 is necessary to ensure the safety of participants, fans, vendors, sponsors and volunteers.
General Manager George Combs said it was a difficult decision, made in consultation with health experts as well as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Billed as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the event attended by 140,000 people annually celebrated its centennial in 2019. Fans who already purchased tickets for this year can request refunds through June 30, otherwise they’ll be honored at the 2021 rodeo June 17-26.
Nevada has confirmed nearly 300 deaths and 5,800 cases of COVID-19 statewide. The Las Vegas area accounts for about 4,600 of those cases and at least 245 deaths. More than 1,000 cases and 38 deaths have been reported in the Reno-Sparks area.
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