San Diego, December 11, 2025
The San Diego Rodeo, set for January 2026, has not received funding from the SDTMD for the first time. Controversies surrounding the event, including incidents involving horses, have raised safety concerns. Despite this, the rodeo continues to attract sponsors and aims for another successful event at Petco Park.
San Diego Rodeo Faces Funding Challenges Amid Controversies
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Tourism Marketing District (SDTMD) has declined to allocate funding for the upcoming San Diego Rodeo, scheduled for January 16-18, 2026. This marks the first time since the event’s inception that the SDTMD has withheld financial support. In Fiscal Year 2024, the rodeo received a $150,000 allocation from the SDTMD, which was also approved for Fiscal Year 2025. However, the 2026 event was omitted from the SDTMD’s grant recipients list, with no explanation provided for the decision.
The San Diego Rodeo has faced several controversies in recent years. In January 2025, a pregnant horse died during the event, and in 2024, a 6-year-old racehorse named “Waco Kid” collided with a metal barricade before collapsing. These incidents have led to public backlash and increased scrutiny of the event’s safety practices. Despite these challenges, the rodeo has continued to grow, with the 2026 event set to feature three major country artists performing each day. Organizers express gratitude to sponsors and attendees for their support and look forward to another successful event at Petco Park.
Background on the San Diego Rodeo
The San Diego Rodeo, in collaboration with C5 Rodeo Company Inc., Outriders Present, and the San Diego Padres, has been held annually at Petco Park since its inaugural event in January 2024. The event has attracted top rodeo athletes from around the world, offering a family-friendly experience that includes rodeo competitions, cultural acts, and live music performances. The 2026 edition is expected to continue this tradition, featuring a total of $750,000 in prize money and performances by renowned country artists.
Impact on San Diego’s Tourism and Economy
Historically, the San Diego Rodeo has contributed significantly to the local economy. In its first year, the event generated over $1.5 million, surpassing projections and leading to more than 6,200 hotel room nights booked. The SDTMD’s funding decisions are typically influenced by the event’s alignment with San Diego’s brand pillars, including sports, outdoors, culinary, arts, and entertainment. The absence of funding for the 2026 rodeo raises questions about the event’s future and its role in the city’s tourism strategy.
Key Features of the San Diego Rodeo
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | January 16-18, 2026 |
| Location | Petco Park, San Diego, CA |
| Organizers | San Diego Rodeo, C5 Rodeo Company Inc., Outriders Present, San Diego Padres |
| Funding | Previously received $150,000 from SDTMD in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025; no funding allocated for 2026 |
| Controversies | Death of a pregnant horse in January 2025; incident involving “Waco Kid” in 2024 |
| Economic Impact | Generated over $1.5 million in its first year; over 6,200 hotel room nights booked |
| Future Outlook | Uncertain due to funding challenges and controversies; organizers seek alternative funding sources |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego Rodeo?
The San Diego Rodeo is an annual event held at Petco Park, featuring rodeo competitions, cultural acts, and live music performances. It aims to showcase top rodeo athletes and provide a family-friendly experience for attendees.
Why did the SDTMD decline funding for the 2026 San Diego Rodeo?
The SDTMD has not provided an explanation for its decision to withhold funding for the 2026 event. Historically, funding decisions are based on the event’s alignment with San Diego’s brand pillars and its impact on the local economy.
What controversies have surrounded the San Diego Rodeo?
Recent controversies include the death of a pregnant horse during the 2025 event and an incident in 2024 involving a 6-year-old racehorse named “Waco Kid” that collided with a metal barricade before collapsing. These incidents have led to public backlash and increased scrutiny of the event’s safety practices.
How has the San Diego Rodeo impacted the local economy?
In its first year, the San Diego Rodeo generated over $1.5 million, leading to more than 6,200 hotel room nights booked. The event has been a significant contributor to San Diego’s tourism and economy, attracting visitors from around the world.
What is the future of the San Diego Rodeo?
The future of the San Diego Rodeo is uncertain due to the SDTMD’s decision to withhold funding for the 2026 event and the withdrawal of major sponsor Monster Energy. Organizers express gratitude to sponsors and attendees for their support and look forward to another successful event at Petco Park, but the event’s future may depend on securing alternative funding sources and addressing the controversies that have arisen.
Now Happening on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 11, 2025, 12:29 AM UTC) A teen girl is stabbed in class by a fellow student at San Ysidro High. And, split San Diego City Council approves extending license plate reader plan. Plus: A couple’s Tesla records a parking ticket being rewritten before their spot expired. View on X
- @10News (December 10, 2025, 6:00 AM UTC) In this morning’s Streamline newsletter: SD Unified tries to solve $47 million budget deficit — Long standoff near Naval Base San Diego — Record high temperatures on tap today. View on X
- @MayorToddGloria (December 9, 2025, 1:12 AM UTC) In this week’s “From the Mayor’s Desk”: How license plate readers help keep our city safe $15M proposed to build 528 affordable homes San Diego chosen as the new home of @TEDTalks. View on X
- @CBS8 (December 9, 2025, 2:00 AM UTC) Amid privacy concerns, SDPD data shows license plate readers led to 187 arrests. City Council to vote Tuesday. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 9, 2025, 11:15 PM UTC) SDPD are investigating after an infant was found in a portable toilet in Mission Bay. And, shoppers are spooked after a hidden camera in a bathroom is discovered. Plus: Teachers in South Bay say they’re ready to strike. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 8, 2025, 11:45 PM UTC) The San Diego City Council will consider paying $30 million to the parents of a teenager killed by a police officer. And, new efforts from the Trump administration are looking to drill oil off the California coast. View on X
- @SanDiegoPD (December 6, 2025, 1:51 AM UTC) UPDATE- As of 12/5/25- 5:40 Pm – The situation is still active and ongoing. The San Diego Police Department along with San Diego Fire has significant resources on scene in effort to help bring this situation to a safe conclusion. Significant traffic delays are still expected. View on X
- @619NewsMedia (December 7, 2025, 2:16 AM UTC) SDPD Investigating Possible Robbery Series Targeting San Diego Businesses. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Celebrates Autumn with Diverse Halloween Events
Upcoming Events in San Diego
San Diego Poet Jane Muschenetz Wins Prestigious Award
Diverse Events in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego Enhances Local Culture with New Attractions
San Diego’s Genesee Avenue Construction Disrupts Traffic
Weekend Activities in San Diego
Vibrant Events Showcase San Diego’s Cultural Landscape
California Rodeo Salinas Concludes Its 115th Year
Memorial Day Weekend Events in San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
