FORT WORTH, Texas — Rodeo athletes from across the country are competing for a lot of money this weekend at AT&T Stadium. RFD-TV's The American Rodeo will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
The pot is 2.35 million dollars, but before they can make it there, athletes must place in the semi-finals at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth.
Saddle bronc rider Cole Elshere said this year is promising. He rode on Friday morning with good scores, and is hoping it will hold up by the end of the semi-finals.
"To win The American, that would set you up for the rest of your career and so that's what we're shooting for," Elshere said.
For the first time, The American Rodeo is also holding breakaway roping, a big stride for women in rodeo. Competitor Jackie Crawford is now able to ride on one of the largest rodeo stages.
"I just went and I'm pretty sure that I'm safe into AT&T Stadium tomorrow," Crawford said. "Yea, so excited."