Back When They Bucked

The name says everything. Back When They Bucked honors a rougher era of rodeo, when cowboys rode for pride and the raw thrill of staying on.

Held annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at the Days of ’76 Arena in Deadwood, this PRCA sanctioned event returns for its sixth consecutive year on May 24, 2026. The arena itself dates to 1880 and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011. It seats 3,115 spectators with room for an additional 500 standing.

Thirty two saddle bronc riders compete in the Xtreme Saddle Bronc Match for a share of a purse exceeding $25,000, with the top eight advancing to a short round. The WPRA Ladies’ Breakaway Roping adds fast paced women’s competition, while a South Dakota High School Rodeo invitational highlights the state’s rising talent beginning at 1:00 PM.

Tickets typically start around $52 and are sold through the Western Legacy Foundation. Since its founding 32 years ago, the foundation has awarded more than $820,000 in scholarships to young people across a five state region.

The 21 and over Party Zone on the upper deck scoreboard side offers reserved space with alcoholic beverages, while designated family seating areas keep kids close to the action without alcohol service. Stock contractors including Burch Rodeo, Sutton Rodeos, and Bailey Pro Rodeo supply the broncs, with announcers Randy Corley and Garrison Allen calling the action.

In 2025, the saddle bronc championship was claimed by Logan Hay of Alberta, Canada, while the breakaway title went to Samantha Fulton of Miller, South Dakota. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to enjoy live music, vendors, and the live Calcutta auction.

Where to stay and camp

The Days of ’76 Campground sits directly adjacent to the arena and offers 40 sites with water and electric hookups, tent camping options, and a dump station. The campground runs along trout filled Whitewood Creek.

Hotels within walking distance include the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Deadwood, recently remodeled and often starting around $70 per night, as well as the historic Bullock Hotel in downtown Deadwood.

More rodeo and lake time

If you miss Back When They Bucked, the full Days of ’76 Rodeo runs July 19 through 25, 2026, featuring nightly performances, historic parades, and Family Night discounts on Tuesday.

For a pre or post rodeo lake day, Sheridan Lake lies 13 miles south and offers a sandy swimming beach and campgrounds. Pactola Reservoir, roughly 35 miles away, provides the Black Hills’ deepest waters for boating and fishing, and even scuba diving to explore the submerged remains of an old mining settlement.