The National High School Finals Rodeo is taking over the Sandhills Global Event Center this week. See photos from Tuesday's events.
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.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
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.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Bridger Peil, from Wyoming, adjusts his rope in the saddle during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday at the Sandhills Global Event Center.Â
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
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.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
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.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
Jade Christie, from Alaska, competes in pole bending during the 78th National High School Finals Rodeo on Tuesday at the Sandhills Global Event Center.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
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.
ARTHUR H. TRICKETT-WILE, Journal Star
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.
The return of the National High School Finals Rodeo has been marked by high temperatures and electrical issues. Organizers are working to keep 1,900 competitors and 2,300 animals cool.Â
