Vegas Week Heats Up as Local Arenas Reopen With Enhanced Safety Following EHV-1 Scare
Team ropers are back in action across Wickenburg—just in time for the high-energy, high-stakes Las Vegas Week in Wickenburg, one of the biggest roping stretches of the year. After a brief slowdown due to concerns surrounding the recent EHV-1 outbreak tied to a barrel race in Waco, Wickenburg’s top arenas have officially resumed events with heightened awareness, smart precautions, and a united message: rope responsibly and keep horses safe.
Widely recognized as the Team Roping Capital of the World, Wickenburg hosts an extraordinary lineup of jackpots every November and December. Vegas Week draws riders from across the U.S. and Canada, offering one of the top five payouts in the nation. With Rancho Rio, Downtown Arena, Roper Nation, and Big Tree Arena all in full swing, competitors can expect big money, big turnouts, and big excitement.
Big Friday at Rancho Rio – One Lucky Roper Drives Home a New RAM Truck
The excitement hit another level on Friday at Rancho Rio, where the highly anticipated 10.5 RAM Truck Roping took center stage—sending one roper home in a brand-new Ram Truck.
RAM Truck Winner
🏆 Antonio Aranda
The headline moment of the day: Aranda claimed the keys to a brand-new Ram Truck, marking one of the most electrifying wins of the season.
10.5 RAM Truck Roping Results
1st – Colt Bray & Matt Jespersen
34.11 on 4 – $3,0002nd – Riley Currin & Case Kerr
35.03 on 4 – $2,2003rd – Brian Torres & Antonio Aranda
37.5 on 4 – $1,700
10.5 Megabucks Results
1st – Tanse Herrmann & Grady Wilson
41.42 on 4 – $2,5802nd – Edgar Torres & Francisco Sanchez Carrasco
47.83 on 4 – $1,700
📌 Complete results available at:
https://nationalteamroping.com/
The turnout was massive, the energy was high, and Rancho Rio once again proved why it’s home to some of the most exciting ropings of the entire winter season.
Rancho Rio Leads With Strong Safety Messaging
Following the EHV-1 scare, Rancho Rio shared a practical list of guidelines to reduce transmission risk. They emphasized that ropers should operate with heightened awareness as events resume:
Recommended precautions include:
Disinfect thoroughly using a 1:10 bleach solution.
Wash hands and change clothes after handling potentially exposed horses.
Don’t share buckets or equipment.
Tie at your own trailer—avoid public tie rails.
Maintain distancing between horses.
Limit contact to essential handlers only.
Rancho Rio also continues hosting daily Big Gamble ropings, NTR Black Friday action, and its full Vegas Week schedule.
Downtown Arena, Roper Nation & Big Tree Arena Follow Suit
Other Wickenburg roping hotspots are also back on track:
Big Tree Arena
“We will not have any restrictions for those coming in to rope. We do ask that you practice a safe distance from other’s horses, don’t share water buckets, and be aware of those around you.”
Downtown Arena & Roper Nation
Both have resumed their Vegas Week jackpots and encourage ropers to follow basic safety measures while enjoying full days of competition.
Why Vegas Week Matters
Often referred to as Las Vegas Week in Wickenburg, this stretch of jackpots is:
A key warm-up before the WSTR Finale in Las Vegas
One of the top five team roping payouts nationwide
A massive draw for winter visitors, snowbirds, and traveling ropers
A showcase of world-class facilities including Rancho Rio, Downtown Arena, Roper Nation, and Big Tree Arena
For ropers chasing Vegas money, Wickenburg is the place to be.
The Bottom Line
Team roping is back—and booming.
With packed arenas, rising payouts, and smart safety precautions in place, Wickenburg’s winter roping season is rolling full steam ahead.
Vegas Week is officially underway.
The jackpots are huge.
The stakes are high.
And at Rancho Rio, one lucky cowboy just drove away in a brand-new Ram Truck.
Rope smart. Rope safe. Rope Wickenburg.
