The Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, is grappling with its ability to manage the ever-growing National High School Finals Rodeo. The center will not host the 2027 event, as announced on Tuesday, due to logistical challenges, despite having successfully hosted the finals in 2026.
In 2026, the event attracted approximately 1,800 participants from over six countries, up from 1,600 competitors in 2021. However, this increase in participants brought unforeseen challenges, including complaints from parents about standing water and electrical issues at the campgrounds, as noted on social media platforms. These issues highlight the difficulties faced by the venue in accommodating the swelling number of attendees.
James Higginbotham, executive director of the National High School Rodeo Association, remarked on the situation by stating, “Sometimes, we have to make business decisions that come from our head, not from our heart.” He emphasized that the decision was driven by the limited number of campsites and horse stalls rather than any shortcomings of the staff or the facility itself.
The expansion of the event’s participant base poses challenges for the Sandhills Global Event Center, as families were forced to camp at locations as remote as Eagle Raceway. The venue’s managing director, Ron Bohaty, acknowledged this issue, pointing out that the increasing number of participants and countries involved in the 2027 event further complicates matters.
While the location for the 2027 rodeo remains undecided, Wyoming is being considered as a potential host. Higginbotham noted that if circumstances change, Lincoln might be reconsidered for future events. To better accommodate such events, the Sandhills Global Event Center is contemplating enhancements, including the addition of another pavilion to host indoor events, which Higginbotham believes offer consistency and fairness.
Bohaty mentioned the center’s intentions for a “phase three” construction plan aimed at improvements, although acquiring the necessary 200 acres poses a significant challenge. He stated, “That would lead to building a coliseum and another pavilion. That’s somewhere on the horizon for us. We did what we could this year.”
An economic impact report detailing the effects of the 2026 rodeo is expected to be released within the next 30 to 45 days.
