Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo

September 6th @ 7:30pm  |  September 7th @7:30pm. 

Big Hat Rodeo returns to Belvidere, IL, for the Great North Illinois Pro Rodeo.

The Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo will be held at:

Boone County Fairgrounds

8847 IL-76 (Spectator Entrance is Gate 5 on McKinley Avenue)

Belvidere, IL 61008

Get ready for the ultimate rodeo experience at the Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo, where heart-pounding competition and top-tier entertainment come together for an unforgettable weekend! Whether you’re a rodeo enthusiast or just looking for a great time with family and friends, this event has something for everyone.

Rodeo Competitions:

Watch the best in the business go head-to-head in classic rodeo events that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the intense action of bull riding and bronc busting to the speed and precision of barrel racing and steer wrestling, the competition is fierce, and the excitement is nonstop! These athletes push themselves to the limit, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of the action.

Live Entertainment:

The fun doesn’t stop with the rodeo events! Throughout the weekend, enjoy live music, fun games, and interactive activities that keep the energy high and the smiles wide. Perfect for all ages, our entertainment lineup ensures that there’s never a dull moment at the Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo.

Food, Beer, and Good Times:

Come hungry and ready to indulge in delicious eats from some of the best local food vendors. Whether you’re craving the crispy goodness of Freaky Fries, the bold flavors of Marvin Tacos, or a hearty bite from Drendels and GotCalzone, we’ve got you covered. Wash it all down with a cold drink from our beer garden, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere with friends old and new.

This isn’t just an event – it’s a celebration of rodeo culture, community, and the good times that come with it. Whether you’re here for the competitions, the entertainment, or just the chance to soak in the atmosphere, the Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo promises an experience you won’t forget.

Early Bird Pricing

General Admission tickets are available for a discounted prices until September 4th, at 5pm. This early bird pricing reduces the price of an adult general admission ticket by $5 for the kids ticket (ages 5-11) and $10 for adult tickets (ages 12 and over). Kids 4 and under are always free! 

Gold Buckle Tickets

Gold Buckle tickets ensure that you will be closest to the bucking broncs and bucking bulls right by the Big Hat Rodeo Bucking Chutes. The Gold Buckle grandstand is located under the grandstands closest to the bucking chutes, starting at row 5 and occupying the rows all the way to the top of the grandstand. Scroll down to see the seating map. Soda, water, and snacks will be provided to Gold Buckle Ticket guests--so you won't miss any of the action--AND, each Gold Buckle Ticket includes a SPECIAL ADDITION CORRAL T-SHIRT!! These tickets are VERY limited and are available online only! 

Silver Spur Tickets

Silver Spur Tickets provide access to seating in the grandstands directly adjacent to the Gold Buckle Seating on the Bucking Chute end of the arena. The Silver Spur covered grandstand is located closest to the roping chutes. Scroll down to see the seating map. Soda and water will be available in coolers by the Silver Spur grandstand so you won't miss any rodeo action! These seats are limited and they fill up fast. Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY! Save your seat today.

Accessibility

Handicap parking is available within a designated infield parking area closest to the event entrance. The parking grounds are grassy, but the remaining paths are paved. The graphics below show two seating areas reserved for our guests with special accessibility needs. The wheelchair seating area is specially equipped with a ramp; fold-up chairs will be on hand for those accompanying our guests with wheelchairs. The first five rows of the grandstand are reserved for additional guests with accessibility needs, but there are small stairs to reach the grandstand. 

The Great Northern Illinois Rodeo is a sporting event and will be held rain or shine.