79th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo kick off draws thousands of guests at Cal Poly

The 79th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo was kicked off at Cal Poly’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium on Saturday.

The Rodeo drew in about 45,000 people, according to Cal Poly.

The musical headliner was Country Music star Casey Donahew who has had a total of 16 number one singles.

There was also a competition between college rodeo athletes from all over the west coast including student-athletes from Cal Poly.

Cal Poly’s Rodeo program has won over 45 national titles, which is more than any other College Rodeo program.

“The Cal Poly rodeo with this many people and the line up of contestants, and the support you have to get from the community, this truly is one of the top Rodeos in the nation,” said Rodeo Announcer Steve Gedert.

The competition included bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, as well as bull riding.