Justin R. Lessman

Rodeo cowboys and SDSU student fans alike are gearing up for the third annual Last Chance Bonanza Rodeo set for this weekend at the Brookings Area MultiPlex.

The Last Chance Bonanza Rodeo is the last Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association rodeo for the regular season.

This means it is the final opportunity for rodeo cowboys to qualify for points to earn a spot at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

Todd Halbersma, a junior from Pipestone, Minn., said that, because this is the last shot for many contestants, the Last Chance Rodeo does draw some big-name rodeo stars.

“A lot of the guys have enough points to qualify for the NFR already,” he said. “But there are still a bunch of big names that come to get the points they need to make the cut.”

Junior Ryan Ollerich of Lakefield, Minn., attended the rodeo last year and is looking forward to it again.

“Everyone gets excited about it,” he said. “The guys usually put on a pretty good show and the clowns are pretty good, too.”

This will be the first Last Chance Rodeo for Nick Harms, a sophomore from Dell Rapids.

“I’m pretty excited about going,” he said. “Everybody says it’s the thing to do and it should be a good one because of the importance of it in the points standing for Vegas. We’re getting geared up for a good time.”

Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The two night performances will be followed by Last Chance Bonanza Rodeo dances featuring music by Just B’ CUZ.

Reserved tickets for the rodeo may be purchased at the MultiPlex Box Office, Cover to Cover in the University Mall or at http://www. brookingsareamultiplex.com.

Ticket prices range from $9 general admission to $12 for reserved seating.