Next July, bucking broncs and bareback riding won't be returning to Lincoln.
Bridger Peil, from Wyoming, adjusts his rope in the saddle during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on July 21 at the Sandhills Global Event Center. The event is not returning to Lincoln in 2027 due to what organizers say is a lack of adequate space.
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The National High School Finals Rodeo brought in about 1,500 RVs and close to 3,000 livestock to the Sandhills Global Event Center last July. Organizers have opted not to hold the event in Lincoln next year, citing a lack of adequate space.
See photos from the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln
A cowboy competes in a roping event during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
Seven-year-old Cannon Corbett, from Illinois, watches goat tying from a railing during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday at the Sandhills Global Event Center.
Bridger Peil, from Wyoming, adjusts his rope in the saddle during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on July 21 at the Sandhills Global Event Center. The event is not returning to Lincoln in 2027 due to what organizers say is a lack of adequate space.
Tucker Jacobsen, from Colorado, competes in bareback bronc riding during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday at the Sandhills Global Event Center. A hot start to the competition has put a strain on the event center's power grid, although relief is on the way with highs in the 70s forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
Teagan Homelvig, from North Dakota, competes in goat tying during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
Jade Christie, from Alaska, competes in pole bending during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday at the Sandhills Global Event Center.
Giovanni Berg, from Nevada, gets into his stirrups backstage before competing in saddle bronc riding during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
Levi Hunter, from Alabama, competes in a roping event during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
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