San Diego County witnessed a sea of cowboy hats and boots as the San Diego Rodeo took center stage. The new addition to the winter rodeo scene began on January 12 and continued until January 14, 2024, at Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres. The rodeo saw notable headers including Rhen Richard, Erich Rogers, Derrick Begay, Kaleb Driggers, Clay Tryan, and Tyler Wade. Marcus Theriot, and many more.

The Heelers’ lineup featured notable names like Jeremy Buhler, Paul Eaves, Logan Medlin, Jade Corkill, Jake Long, and others. Despite the excitement from fans for the substantial prize purse at Petco Park’s showdown, the event faced controversy. Amidst the debates, the San Diego Rodeo proceeded with Rounds 1 and 2, delivering blazing results on January 12–13.

Results of Round 1 and Round 2 of the San Diego Rodeo

The 2024 San Diego Rodeo, held at Petco Park, featured prominent headers and heelers competing for the championship, according to The Team Roping Journal. In the results of the first round, Marcus Theriot and Logan Medlin secured the top spot with a time of 4.4 seconds, earning $3,500. The second round saw Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp claim victory in 4.4 seconds, also earning $3,500.

Also advancing to the eight-man round for the finals were teams like Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, Kaleb Diggers/Jade Corkill, Marcus Theriot/Logan Medlin, Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Chase Helton/Spencer Mitchell, Clay Tryan/Jake Long, Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, and Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord. These incredible results came despite the controversy that involved pushback from protesters.

The controversy at Petco Park

In November, protesters called for the rodeo to be canceled as two animal rights groups attempted to file a temporary restraining order against the Padres and C5 Rodeo, the event organizers. The groups argued that the rodeo violated Petco Park’s rules on non-service animals. However, the judge rejected the restraining order, stating that the municipal code is meant for the public.

Read more: San Diego Rodeo’s ‘Waco Kid’ Injured in Indigenous Relay Race Mishap

One San Diegen named Derek Carlyon to CBS8 regarding the issue, “These rodeos, when they come to town, are treated better than any animal that you’ll ever see. The bigger the venue, the better the animal is taken care of. The fact that it’s at Petco Park means these animals are getting top-shelf care.” The finals on January 14 feature the eight highest-earning players from the first two rounds, followed by a shoot-out round of four at 2:00 p.m. PST. For those unable to attend in person, the rodeo will be aired on the Cowboy Channel Plus starting January 12 at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this story: Bull Riding Champion Sparks the Arena, Dominating Center Stage as the Lone Star Shines