IN THE NEWS Robert Lever Retires from Wrangler, David Sharp to take his placeJune 2022
Saddle Club arena. It will feature several improvements including updated LED lighting, an area for a food truck court complete with electricity and water, a video board, covered grandstands, and better drainage for the arena.June 2022 The arena will feature sandy soil instead of the heavy clay in the old arena. Jason Mittlestadt, past president of the volunteer Mandan Rodeo Days committee, explained the covered grandstands and storm drains were crucial to the plan citing the July rain during a drought. June 2022 Over 85% of the overall funding has been secured for the community’s newest venue. Mittlestadt said they are short about $380,000 and are accepting donations for it.June 2022 Mittlestadt’s work with the design and fundraising for the new facility is all-volunteer as his goal is to bring the community together and create an experience for everybody to share.June 2022 To keep costs down, some of the existing infrastructures will be used. This includes the parking area, ticketing area, and concessions. June 2022 The new arena will be available for other equine and youth events including team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding competitions.June 2022 The 143rd Annual Mandan Rodeo takes place July 2-4, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. (CT) nightly. Tickets are only available online at MandanRodeo.com.June 2022 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping on tap for Nov. 29-30 Event will take place at South Point in Las Vegas COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 2) – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announced that the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping will take place at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nov. 29-30. The Top 15 breakaway ropers will compete for prize money of $250,000 during the two-day, 10-round performance. “I’m pleased to see the continued success and growth of breakaway roping since the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2020,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “Breakaway roping has experienced rapid growth and it is now featured at over 300 PRCA rodeos annually. This success has resulted in an increase of prize money at the NFBR to reach $250,000.” The 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is Dec. 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “The WPRA is looking forward to the National Finals in the Women’s Breakaway Roping being held at the South Point Hotel and Casino during the the PRCA Convention,” said Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “So many committees are having breakaway roping at their rodeos and now they along with fans will have the opportunity to see the best women breakaway ropers in the world compete at the South Point.”
Robert Lever officially retired on May 31 after 46 years with Wrangler Jeans and Shirts. We congratulate Robert and thank him for his dedication and loyalty to the Wrangler brand for 33 years in sales and the last 13 as Manager for Western Special Events.
Robert’s replacement will be David Sharp. David is an industry veteran, with many years of western lifestyle and marketing experience, previous rodeo cowboy, and a longtime advocate of the Wrangler brand. David comes to us from our very own Wrangler Network, where he has been a driving force since its roots in 2013 and into its present state of success today. Often the face of the Wrangler Network, David has produced and coordinated live online streaming and interviews for western lifestyle events, including rodeo, country music, and equestrian performances for millions of fans. Through his work with our owned media channel, he has developed relationships with many of our current Wrangler brand ambassadors and Wrangler sponsored PRCA rodeos across the country. Prior to joining the Wrangler Network in 2013, David served as Production Manager, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour for 8 years (ESPN broadcast) and worked with the PRCA to produce and manage over 100 sanctioned events across the United States. David announces several rodeos a year, on horseback, and is actively involved in working with rodeo committees across the industry to promote, manage and deliver fans a fun western experience. David attended Murray State University on a rodeo scholarship, where he won the Collegiate Regional Championship in bull riding, competed at the College National Finals Rodeo, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ag-Business Economics. David lives in Dalton, GA with his wife, Natalie, and two kids, Marlee and McKade. Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days building a $2.8 million arena. June 2022 The biggest rodeo in North Dakota and one of the oldest in the nation is about to get a permanent home according to an article by KFYR- TV. The new arena will be open before the 2023 Mandan Rodeo Days performances.June 2022 The new $2.8 million facility will be named Dale Pahlke Arena on the Dakota Community Bank & Trust Rodeo Grounds. It will feature two sets of 2,000-seat ADA-accessible bleachers, a larger arena, and more amenities that have a positive impact on both contestants and the fan experience.June 2022 The new arena will be in place of the current Mandan Horse and
8 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator