The Missouri Valley College rodeo programs are set to host the annual Viking Stampede Rodeo this week at the Saline County Fairgrounds in Marshall.

This is the only home event of the year for the Viking rodeo teams and marks the beginning of the 2024-25 rodeo competition season. All Missouri Valley College students, faculty and staff have free admission to each night of the rodeo.

The Viking Stampede Rodeo brings in all the programs that compete in the Ozark Region. The region is comprised of teams from Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Arkansas. Last season, the men’s rodeo team captured an eighth-straight Ozark Region championship, and the women’s team placed fifth in the region.

The men’s team returns one All-American this season. Sophomore Kooper Heimburg was an All-American in bareback riding, placing fifth at the 2023 College National Finals Rodeo. Last season, the men’s team placed at No. 13 in the CNFR standings.

The 2024 Viking Stampede Rodeo takes place Thursday, September 19, through Saturday, September 21, at 7 p.m., nightly at the Saline County Fairgrounds. Admission is free for all Missouri Valley College students, faculty and staff. Prices for the general public each night are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and kids five and under are free. Those in attendance are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs.