Need-To-Know Requirements For Riding In The Lawton Rangers Rodeo & More

It's the big week for one of the largest rodeos in southwest Oklahoma: the Lawton Rangers Rodeo! If you're a fan in the stands and want to know more about tickets, specials nights and the event schedule for each night, check out more here.

As for the riders who plan on riding in the rodeo, whether it's in the grand entry or for one of the events, there are a few updates that you'll want to be aware of.

There are also a few things the Rangers want to make sure rodeo fans are aware of before coming to the event.

Grand entry requirements for riders (even if you're not entering in an event).

The Lawton Rangers Rodeo is a professional event and they like to keep things that way. Because the Rodeo operates by the rules set by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Rangers have a few requirements for the riders planning on entering in this year's grand entry:

• Riders cannot ride double or pony other horses along side them.
• Riders must wear a long-sleeved western shirt, no tanktops or shorts are allowed.
• Although cowboys hats are not required, ball caps are not allowed.

Although it might seem like they're nit-picking, the Lawton Rangers want their riders to not only be safe, but professional.

Free slack due to several contestant entries for this year's rodeo.

While the Lawton Rangers Rodeo does last four nights, there is only limited time to fit in all 12 events. The Rangers made an announcement on August 2 that there were so many entries, they've decided to offer free slack.

According to the Lawton Rangers, "slack is where all these athletes compete (for the same money that is won during the performance), just without all the extra show items."

If you love rodeo without all the glits and the glam and you just want to see the riders, then you'll be able to watch slack performances without paying any admission. Slack performances will run Tuesday night, August 5, at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday morning, August 7 and 7:30 a.m.

Know before you go important details for rodeo goers.

If you've never been to the Lawton Rangers Rodeo, then you may want to glance at a few tips both from the Rangers and from supporters over the years.

• Re-entry after the rodeo is not allowed and you will not able to hang out in the parking lot.
• Be prepared for lengthy leaving times at the end of each night - usually staff and and police try to help speed up the process, but it's still a long one.
• There is a dance following the rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights, which require a separate wristband that can be purchased for $10 at the North Soda Stand.
• No outside food or drinks are allowed, nor are coolers. You'll have to purchase everything you need, including alcohol, inside the arena with one of their vendors.

For more need-to-know facts, check out the update from the Lawton Rangers here.