A new collaboration between The Community Foundation of Rutherford County, Middle Tennessee State University and numerous corporate sponsors is keeping the tradition of an annual longtime rodeo alive in Murfreesboro at MTSU’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

The inaugural CFRC Rodeo will have a two-night run, starting at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, at Miller Coliseum, 304B W. Thompson Lane.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. both evenings. Food trucks and vendors can arrive any time after 1 p.m. March 3.

The event features the family-owned and -operated Lone Star Rodeo, based out of Crofton, Kentucky, near Hopkinsville. Organizers say they’ll bring an action-packed show for the entire family.

Events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping and bull riding.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Community Foundation of Rutherford County to host the CFRC Rodeo,” said Dr. Monica Smith, assistant to the president for community engagement and inclusion at MTSU. 

“This rodeo represents a powerful opportunity for our campus and community to come together to celebrate rodeo’s rich history, have fun and raise funds for the betterment of Rutherford County,” added Smith, who serves on The Community Foundation board. “We are pleased that MTSU Student Ambassadors will be on hand to welcome our community family into the Tennessee Miller Coliseum for this spectacular event.”

Kelly G Rollins, Community Foundation of Rutherford County board chairman and president, said he hopes the public “enjoys this family-friendly community event and the beautiful Tennessee Miller Coliseum.” He also extended “sincere appreciation and gratitude to all our sponsors.”

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department sponsored the rodeo for 17 years.

Tickets — $20 for adults and teenagers 13 and older, $10 for children ages 7 to 12 and free for ages 6 and under — are available online and at the door.

Swanson Companies, a local family-owned and -operated business, is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. The Community Foundation of Rutherford County, which was established in 2017 to benefit and support nonprofit efforts in Rutherford and Cannon counties, is serving as host.

National HealthCare Corp., with corporate offices in Murfreesboro, will be a key sponsor, along with Krebs Kubota. 

In addition to MTSU, other sponsors include Ascend Federal Credit Union, Clarity Resources LLC, Baird Wealth Management, Leslie and Dr. Mark Akins, Ascension Saint Thomas, Sloan’s Motorcycle & ATV, Edward Jones, and Reeves-Sain Drug Store\. 

The Community Foundation of Rutherford County is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

For additional information, visit The Community Foundation websites at www.cfrutherford.org or www.cfrcrodeo.com, or call Tennessee Miller Coliseum at 615-494-8961 or Lone Star Rodeo at 276-269-6000.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)