Our Mission
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy educates the public about rodeo, its history and impact on Western American culture, and provides recognition to rodeo notables of the past and present and serves as an inspiration for the future.
To bring an appreciation of the American Cowboy and the sport of professional rodeo to the hearts and minds of the public through education, recognition, inspiration and preservation.
Our Vision
The Elite of Professional Rodeo
The colorful history and equally colorful legends of professional rodeo live on at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Since the Hall’s opening in 1979, 279 people, 35 animals and 30 rodeo committees have been inducted. More than 100 individuals are nominated each year, but only a few are selected.
Be a Part of Rodeo History
Rodeo fans from around the world can help honor and preserve America’s original sport for generations to come by joining the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Membership Program. Memberships start as low as $75 a year.
Pete Coors of Coors Brewing Company named 2024 Legend of ProRodeo
PRCA Press Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2024) – The Coors family and rodeo go hand in hand.
Their legacy in the sport is growing even further. Pete Coors has been named the 2024 Legend of PRORODEO.
“The first thing that came to my mind when I heard the news of this honor was Donna Keffeler (the National Event Coordinator, Coors Banquet Rodeo at Molson Coors Beverage Company),” Coors said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without her and the support of the company. I truly am humbled this receive this award.”
Since 1979, Coors Brewing Company has provided millions of dollars to rodeo athletes, announcers, stock contractors, rodeo committees and barrelmen, while solidifying its position as part of the backbone of PRORODEO.
“We have always felt that rodeo has been the perfect partner with our consumers and particularly with the Coors Banquet brand,” Coors said. “I think this recognition really goes to a lot of people, who stood with the company and myself promoting PRORODEO. It took a lot of folks to get to this point.”
Over his nearly 50-year career at Coors Brewing Company, Pete held many positions, starting as a trainee in waste management to being promoted to Director of Market Research and eventually earning the President and Chairman titles. Now retired from active employment, he currently serves on the Board of Molson Coors Beverage Company.
He has also been a dedicated board member and loyal supporter of the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver, Colo., for nearly 30 years.
Coors is the 19th man to be honored as a Legend of PRORODEO, following Jake Barnes, Jim Shoulders, Clem McSpadden, Harry Vold, Larry Mahan, Shawn Davis, Dean Oliver, Donnie Gay, Benny Binion, Mel Potter, Neal Gay, Michael Gaughan, Keith Martin, Cotton Rosser, Bob Tallman, Clint Johnson, and Red Steagall.
Coors will be honored at the 19th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Dec. 2 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Doors open at 6 p.m. (PT) with a reception and silent auction. The dinner begins at 7 p.m. with the live auction and program following dinner.
“I’m looking forward to being in Las Vegas for the Gala and having the opportunity to receive this achievement,” Coors said. “I plan to attend a few of the rodeo performances as well. It should be a great time, surrounded by great people.”
"45 Years of Memories" Exhibit Now Open
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame opened its new exhibit, 45 Years of Memories, this week. The exhibit celebrates the Hall of Fame’s 45 years of preserving rodeo history. Items featured in the gallery include the Hafley-Shelton Wild West Collection, the Ralph Ardourel Bit and Spur Collection, the Barrel Racing Clothes of Gayle Bannon, Rodeo Clown memorabilia, and many others. It also includes a time-line wall with pictures from each inducted class. The exhibit will be available in the 101 Gallery until September.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame Receives Generous Donation from Raymond Kinter
ProRodeo Hall of Fame receives huge donation
Raymond C. Kinter, 80, passed away on Sept. 2, 2022. One of his passions was supporting institutions that keep the history of the Old West alive.
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., was the beneficiary of the latter. Kinter’s estate recently donated $392,256 to the Hall of Fame.
“We are overwhelmed with this donation from Mr. Kinter’s estate,” ProRodeo Hall of Fame director Kent Sturman said. “His generosity matches the love he had for Old West history, the western lifestyle, and our western heritage. Mr. Kinter enjoyed visiting the Hall of Fame and always took an interest in the museum’s programs and projects. He assisted us with funding the historical photograph preservation project. He was happy that the saddle he donated was on display and we are proud to have it remain in the exhibit. We will soon find a way to honor Mr. Kinter and recognize his contributions to the Hall of Fame in a meaningful way.”
Kinter was born on Nov. 24, 1941, in Boston Mass. He worked as a teacher, principal and real estate investor after being honorably discharged from the Navy. He enjoyed trail riding, photography, and visiting art galleries. He was a member of Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Old West Museum, Fraternal Order of Eagles and a lifetime member of the American Paint Horse Association. He received the Presidential Citation from the optimist Club of Brighton, Colo., and was an Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumnus. Raymond was a founding member of the Back Country Horsemen of America.
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