National Western Stock Show

A new chapter is taking shape at the National Western 🐴

This morning, we gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of the future Betty Knoebel Arena, the centerpiece of the Equestrian Center at the National Western Center campus.

The event honored Fritz and Betty Knoebel for their generous gift and celebrated the 10 inaugural scholarship recipients in their honor. Each student will receive $10,000 to put toward their education in the equine field.

Slated to break ground in early 2027, the state-of-the-art equestrian center will feature a 4,000-seat arena, nearly 600 climate-controlled horse stalls, and expanded amenities for exhibitors, competitors, and guests.

This exciting milestone brings us one step closer to creating one of the nation’s premier destinations for year-round events while continuing to honor the Western traditions that have defined National Western for generations.

Thank you to the Knoebel family for helping build the future of the West. 🤠 Learn more at https://nationalwestern.com/press-release-future-betty-knoebel-arena-celebrated-at-ceremonial-groundbreaking/

The National Western Stock Show is proud to announce Larry A. Mizel as the 2027 Citizen of the West.

A builder, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader, Mizel embodies the pioneering spirit, determination, and legacy of the American West.

Mizel will be honored as the 48th Citizen of the West on January 11, 2027. Proceeds from the event support the National Western Scholarship Trust and students pursuing careers in agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary medicine.

Join us in celebrating Larry A. Mizel and his lasting impact on Colorado and beyond. Learn more: https://nationalwestern.com/larry-a-mizel-selected-as-2027-citizen-of-the-west/

🤠 Be part of the National Western Volunteer team!

Love the National Western and want to be part of the action? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create memorable experiences for exhibitors, patrons, and guests throughout the year and at !

From the Kids Activity Pavilion and Guest Services to Horse & Livestock Shows, Educational Programs, Photography, Ticket Taking, Administrative Support, and more, there are so many ways to get involved!

Ready to get started? Here’s how to become a volunteer:
1️⃣ Fill out the volunteer application online
2️⃣ Attend a virtual orientation session via Zoom and learn more about the program
3️⃣ Complete post-orientation paperwork

🐴 Apply today and find your place behind the scenes at the National Western!
https://nationalwestern.com/volunteers/

Ready to get to work at the Stock Show?

Applications for the 2027 National Western Stock Show Internships are open!

Our internship program gives you the opportunity to build connections with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and see what it takes to put on one of the largest and most iconic livestock and western events in the country.

Internships are available across a variety of areas, including administration, sponsorship, livestock, rodeo, and more.

📅 Application Window: September 1–30, 2026
🤠 2027 Stock Show: January 9–24, 2027
Whether you're looking to launch a career at National Western or simply want to get involved, there are plenty of ways to be part of the team.

👉Tag someone who should apply now: https://nationalwestern.com/about/internship/

Congratulations to Dr. Kelly Tisher, WSSA Board Member, for being named the Program Lead and Veterinarian for the new Thunder Team at the Denver Broncos. We can't wait to cheer on one of our own on the big field. GO BRONCOS!

Happy World Photographer Day! 📸

The National Western Stock Show is beyond grateful for our volunteer photographers who capture moments during every event and preserve the memories made by our contestants, guests, exhibitors, and staff.

Thank you to all of our volunteer photographers for telling the story of the National Western Stock Show and helping ensure those memories live on for generations to come. ❤️

Stock Show Through the Decades: 2016-2026

This era was defined by the signing of the historic 100-year agreement, solidifying plans for a new National Western Stock Show campus. Today, that vision has become a reality with the construction and opening of the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center and The Legacy, culminating in a record-breaking 120th anniversary celebration.

The Stock Show also continued to grow, welcoming new events that expanded its reach and impact. The Invitational Ranch Rodeo and NECHA debuted in 2016, followed by the Youth Equestrian Showcase in 2019, creating even more opportunities to celebrate agriculture, horsemanship, and Western heritage.

In 2021, the National Western Stock Show faced one of the greatest challenges in its history. For only the second time since its inception, the event was canceled due to the global pandemic and public health restrictions. While Boots 'n Business and the Coors Art Show continued in limited virtual formats, the Stock Show's spirit never wavered. In 2022, it returned stronger than ever, bringing back its cherished traditions and welcoming thousands of guests to celebrate the enduring legacy of the National Western Stock Show.

Stock Show Through the Decades: 2006-2016

The decade from 2006 to 2016 marked a period of both celebration and growth for the National Western Stock Show. In 2006, the Stock Show proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of preserving Western heritage, supporting agriculture, and bringing together generations of exhibitors, competitors, and visitors.

While many cherished traditions remained, the Stock Show also embraced new attractions and opportunities. The livestock shows expanded with the addition of several cattle breed competitions, including Wagyu, Gelbvieh/Balancer, and Miniature Zebu. The beloved Xtreme Dogs show—originally introduced as Super Dogs in 2005—quickly became a Stock Show favorite, featuring high-energy canine athletes performing incredible jumps, agility courses, and crowd-pleasing tricks.

In 2011, Paul Andrews took the reins as President and CEO, succeeding longtime leader Pat Grant after two decades at the helm. Andrews brought a fresh vision to the organization while continuing its longstanding commitment to agriculture, education, and rodeo.