The prison rodeo may be returning to McAlester Oklahoma. A Senate panel passes a bill that would provide $8.3 million to restart the rodeo. According to a bill summary, the funds are to be used for “constructing, repairing, improving, upgrading, and rehabilitation of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary prison rodeo arena.”
The last rodeo was held in 2009, said Kay Thompson, an Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokeswoman. In 2010, state budget cuts, low attendance and crumbling facilities contributed to the closing of the prison rodeo.
The agency has already invested $1 million in repairing the arena, Thompson said.
“Bringing back the beloved rodeo is very exciting,” said Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe. “We’re ready to begin the process and see Oklahomans fill the stands and be entertained.”
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