Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame in Billings, MT

Cowboy HatNews Updates

Seven Pro Rodeo legends from Montana were recently inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame for their contribution to the sport of rodeo. C. M. Coffee (Miles City) ... George Richmond (Idaho) ... Clinton Small (Ashland) ... Denny Looman (Miles City) ... Benny Binion (deceased) ... Bud Lake (deceased) and Red McDowell (deceased).

Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame was formed in 1998 to establish a fitting tribute to Montana professional cowboys and cowgirls who achieve Montana and national recognition for their contribution to the sport. The Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame is located at the entrance to MetraPark Arena in Billings, Montana. The focal point is an 18' bronze of 6-time World Champion Dan Mortensen riding the saddle bronc ‘Tee Box". The "Wall of Fame" surrounds the area.

The Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame maintains a perpetual scholarship fund to assist Montana youth who are active in high school rodeo events and wish to pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded to those youth who exemplify our Montana heritage who meet requirements established by the Scholarship Committee. The First Annual Fund Raising Event held March 2006 provided $30,000 in scholarships awarded to ten deserving recipients, each receiving $3,000 scholarship to a college of their choice. The 2nd Annual event raised $36,000, totaling $66,000. The goal for the 3rd Annual Event January 26th was to surpass $100,000 in scholarships.

This was a "once-in-a-lifetime" western celebration honoring Montana’s rich rodeo heritage, with people coming from all over the United States and Canada to attend the festivities. This is the largest congregation of Rodeo World Champions ever assembled in Montana for a cowboy and cowgirl reunion ... a first for Billings, Montana.

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Plans are in full swing to build and additional brick and granite wall listing the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Champions, Montana Pro Rodeo competitors who have ever qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, Montana Pro Rodeo Queens, Montana Rodeo Committees and Personnel. The new wall will be funded by the sale of granite walkway pavers engraved with Montana ranch brands. These pavers can be purchased by anyone wishing to have their brand displayed in perpetuity from the monument site to the entrance of Metra Park Arena. l For more information, call 406-256-6515.

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The Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame Board of Directors is seeking new volunteers and advisors. If you are interested in helping in any capacity (as a volunteer, sponsor, donor, advisory committee, planning, etc.), please contact us.

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Bronze replicas of the Dan Mortensen sculpture are still available. Visit our Replicas link to learn more about them and how you can purchase one of these beautiful, limited-edition, bronze sculptures.

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The collector series belt buckles commemorating the unveiling of the Montana Pro Rodeo Wall and Hall of Fame Memorial and rodeo events are selling fast. Visit our Buckles link to see how you can purchase one of these very special limited-edition buckles for your favorite cowboy or cowgirl before they are all gone. Proceeds support the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame Scholarship Program.