— The championship’s historic home returns as the Lazy E enters a new era of expansion and growth—
Guthrie, Okla. — The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) announced today that its CINCH National Finals will return to the Lazy E Arena beginning in May 2027, marking a historic reunion between two organizations.
Originally launched in 1990, the USTRC was founded to create a national championship accessible to ropers of all skill levels through a handicapped system, higher entry fees, and a single-entry format. That same year, the Lazy E Arena hosted the inaugural USTRC National Finals.
“I watched the very first USTRC National Finals at the Lazy E and later competed there myself,” said Gary McKinney, owner of Lazy E Ranch & Arena. “Even today, I reflect on the Lazy E’s historic role in the growth of team roping.”
The USTRC National Finals remained at the Lazy E Arena for decades before transitioning to a spring schedule in Fort Worth in 2020 due to calendar limitations and increasing financial pressures on participants attending multiple major events.
The 2027 return to Oklahoma signals both a homecoming and a forward-looking evolution of the championship. The event will take place in an expanded Lazy E Arena and feature a reimagined format designed to meet the needs of today’s competitors.
“This is more than a return,” said John Johnson, president of the USTRC. “It’s a continuation of a promise that’s been kept for nearly four decades—providing everyday ropers with a national stage and a championship they can truly be part of.”
The inaugural USTRC National Finals paid out $185,000 and attracted competitors from 16 states, demonstrating the viability of team roping as a standalone national sport. Since then, the USTRC has distributed millions of dollars in payouts and prizes, while maintaining its commitment to inclusivity across youth, senior, and mixed-ability divisions.
“Oklahoma has a deep-rooted connection to Western heritage, and events like the USTRC National Finals showcase that legacy on a national stage,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “The highly anticipated return of the competition will further celebrate the traditions and spirit that make Oklahoma the heart of cowboy culture.”
The 2027 USTRC National Finals at Lazy E Arena will mark a renewed chapter for one of the most influential championships in Western sports.
“This is about honoring where we started while staying true to who we are,” said Connie Gentry, co-founder of the USTRC and president of Equine Network’s Western Sports Group.
About Lazy E Arena
Located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Lazy E Arena is one of the most iconic and versatile event venues in Western sports. Since opening its doors in 1984, the Lazy E has played host to some of the most prestigious rodeos and equine competitions in the world, including the Cinch Timed Event Championship and the legendary National Finals Steer Roping. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, expansive grounds, and commitment to excellence, the Lazy E Arena welcomes hundreds of thousands of fans, athletes, and event partners each year. With a legacy rooted in tradition and a vision for innovation, Lazy E continues to set the standard as the world’s premier Western entertainment destination.
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