Roper FAQs

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When and where is the event?

The 2025 Cody Johnson Championship Event takes place October 7–12, 2025, at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton, Texas.

When does check-in open for contestants?

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM each day at the Cadence Bank Center Arena. All ropers must check-in prior to roping and sign release waivers.

Who can participate in the golf tournament?

The VIP/Sponsor Golf Tournament on Tuesday morning is by invitation only and is open exclusively to VIPs, sponsors, and open contestants. It is closed to the public.

How do I enter the ropings and when do entries open?

  • General ropings: Open August 11, close September 15 or when full.
  • The COJO: Entries open September 15 and close September 29.
  • All entries must be paid in full to be valid.
  • Forms for the limited entry ropings can be found online.  These can be emailed directly with credit card information or sent in with check before deadline dates or when the ropings fill. 
  • The All Girl Breakaway, Team Roping and Youth Events are enter on site.
  • On-site entries are allowed for ropings that did not fill, with a $100 late fee per team.
  • COJO entries must be texted to 505-270-9340 and paid by 7:00 AM on October 9.

What events are available for youth contestants?

  • Breakaway Roping with Youth Incentive – Ages 19 & under. Top 5 youth advance to Saturday’s short round.
  • 10.5 Junior Roping – Presented by Cedar Gap Wealth Management. Open to youth 19 & under. Capped at 6 heeler.
  • Open Junior Roping – Presented by Cedar Gap Wealth Management. Also for youth 19 & under.
  • Youth Evening of Tacos, Guest Speaking and Motivation. Open to All Youth Ropers (Breakaway and Team Ropers) and FFA members.

Are there incentives available in the ropings?

Yes, many ropings feature 9.5, 11.5, and 16.5 incentive divisions, offering additional payout opportunities. Some include guaranteed cash awards for the highest-placing incentive teams.

What is the format for the COJO Team Roping?

The COJO is a 2-steer progressive-on-1 format in the long round.

  • 50 Open teams and 10 Incentive teams advance to a clean-slate short round on Saturday.
  • $750 per roper | Enter 3x (4x if one is an incentive entry)
  • Incentive team guaranteed $5,000 payout

What is the Pro-Am Celebrity Invitational?

Held Saturday morning, this is a limited-entry event with 50 headers and 50 heelers. $650 per roper. 3 steer, progressive on 2. Pre-entry is required and headers/heelers are capped at #5.

Are the team ropings free to the public?

Yes! Please come out and watch the long round, where competitors will battle to qualify for the short round. The long round takes place October 9 and is free to the public. The other amateur events on are also free to attend, and you’ll even get a chance to see Cody compete. The only ticketed event is on October 11.

Are there any social or charity events?

Yes!

  • Tuesday Evening: Building Champions Taco Night for FFA & youth ropers.
  • Friday Night: Champs for Charity Cowboy Auction and Acoustic Set at Schoepf’s BBQ – includes dinner, auction, and concert. Western attire event. 
  • Sunday Morning: Free breakfast and church service featuring Lindsay Cardinale Ponder and Trent Willmon.

What is the PRCA dress code and when is it required?

The PRCA dress code (collared shirts, cowboy hats, boots, etc.) is required on Saturday, especially for those competing in the short rounds and the Pro-Am. All other ropings will follow WSTR dress code.

Will there be vendors?

Yes! There will be plenty of fun retail booths for shopping!