SAN DIEGO — People from all over San Diego County put on their cowboy hats and boots and packed into Petco Park on Saturday for the second night of the San Diego Rodeo.
Despite an abrupt ending to night one of the San Diego Rodeo, crowds jammed into downtown with excitement.
“This probably has to be the best rodeo in San Diego," said one San Diegan.
“It’s great to always see people flooding from different parts of the country to comes see something that they enjoy and love and are passionate about, you know, and the rodeo is one that brings cool people from all over just come to San Diego," said rodeo fan Dan Healy.
For many, this is their first-ever rodeo. While for others, it’s the first rodeo in the city.
“I think it opens it up a whole new people of rodeo where sometimes out in East County there’s a certain number of people that come every year, but out in the city it just brings attention to the whole sport of it," said attendee TJ Carlyon.
Despite the turnout, the event took place amid controversy. During night one shocking video shows a 6-year-old race horse named Waco Kid slam into a barricade before collapsing.
The horse is alive and did not sustain major injuries, according to C5 Rodeo, the company running the event.
Following the collision the horse was removed from the arena in a livestock ambulance and placed under the care of the San Diego Rodeo veterinarian team. Exams show no obvious signs of fracture or instability.
Waco Kid is owned by the Vigen Family of the MHA Nation. The Vigen family is a multi-generation Indigenous Relay Racing family who is proud to honor and continue the MHA culture.
Animal rights activists had called for the rodeo to be canceled. Last November in the lead up to the rodeo, two animal rights groups had filed a temporary restraining order against the Padres and C5 Rodeo, which would have stopped the rodeo.
The groups claimed the rodeo violated Petco Park's rule on non-service animals not being allowed inside the park. However, a judge recently rejected the restraining order, saying that municipal code is meant for the public.
It didn’t stop, however, protesters from showing up outside of Petco Park this weekend.
Those attending the event say they believe the animals are cared for appropriately.
“These rodeos, when they come to town these animals 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," said attendee Derek Carlyon.
The rodeo ends Sunday, and gates open at 12 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early. No re-entry will be allowed.
Entry times and policies
- Guests are not permitted to bring outside food or beverage, including factory sealed and reusable water bottles.
- Petco Park prohibits bags except for single compartment bags measuring 7” x 10” or smaller, infant bags, and medical bags. Petco Park offers mobile lockers for rent located near the Park Blvd. Gate on 10th Avenue. Lockers are $12 (cashless) and will remain open for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the event.
- Reminder, Petco Park is a cashless venue.
- Please note: banners, signs, and posters of any kind are not permitted.
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