Construction on a major project to tear down and rebuild the historic Chute 9 at the Cheyenne

Frontier Days Park has begun. It is one of the most recognized features of the “Daddy of Em’

All,” and has been a long part of rodeo history in Cheyenne.

For over 100 years, the best of the best cowboys and cowgirls in pro rodeo have backed into the

box at Chute 9. The seating above the roping box has some of the best views of the entire

arena. More seating and sponsor booths will be included in the new construction.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and is known for its high

attendance. Generations of rodeo contestants have competed annually for what is now over a

million dollars in added money. Event officials have confirmed that the rebuild will not affect

rodeo contestants, as the functionality and use of Chute 9 will remain the same. Instead, the

focus is on replacing aging infrastructure and preparing the chute for future generations of fans

and sponsors.

Kendra Santos, a rodeo reporter, wrote about the Chute 9 revamp. She spoke with Cheyenne

Frontier Days CEO and President Tom Hirsig. He explained their preservation of

history even through the new addition. The quote read, “A contestant isn’t going to know the

difference of what’s behind him when he backs into that box at Cheyenne. The roping and

bulldogging setup will be the same. We may have to reroute the cattle a little bit, but once you

get into that corner, it’s going to be the same old Cheyenne for contestants. We’ll put the old

chute—which is not spring loaded, is specially designed to be hand-activated and is, by the way,

only about five years old—back in place. We want to keep that nice, quiet chute that doesn’t

impact those timed-event horses. We even saved the old bench that'll go back up behind the

boxes.”

Explaining the proposal earlier in the year, the CFD official website stated “The popularity and

unique nature of Chute 9 suggests it would be beneficial to expand the top level viewing area,

nearly doubling the size of this zone and providing the same close-in viewing of the rodeo

action. The proposed elevated walkway provides a connection between the B & C stands and the

east stands, and creates a unique opportunity to view the action from above. The proposed box

suites increase sponsorship opportunities. Optional rooftop patio areas allow for viewing of both

daytime rodeo and evening concert events.”

Construction recently began and will continue through the winter. The project is expected to be

completed in time for the 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 17th-26th.