Cowboys and cowgirls are ready to thrill local audiences with their talents in barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling and much more when the 39th annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo returns Jan. 24-25 to the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each night, with doors opening at 6 p.m. This event is presented by Campus Recreation at The University of Southern Mississippi and supported by multiple local sponsors.
Popularly known as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the rodeo began in 1986 at the former Southern Miss Equestrian Center and has been held at Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center since 1999, serving as a fundraiser for student scholarships and professional development at the university. Special entertainment will be provided by Jerry Thornton and the Hurricane Katrina rescue and trick horse sensation, Mr. Bojangles.
Southern Miss Vice President for Finance and Administration Allyson Easterwood will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.
“I’m honored to serve as grand marshal for this wonderful event, and hope members of the Southern Miss, Forrest County and surrounding communities will turn out in big numbers for what will be two days of exciting entertainment and fun for all ages,” Easterwood said.
Tickets for the rodeo are available for $15 at Boot Country, located at 6467 U.S. Highway 49 in Hattiesburg, and Hub City West Farm and Garden at 31 Pioneer Road in Hattiesburg. Beginning Jan. 24, tickets are $20 and only available at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center Box Office starting at 8 a.m. All seats are reserved and have chair backs.
For more information, contact Southern Miss Campus Recreation at [email protected] or call 601.266.5405.