Dickinson State University Unveils $24M Rodeo Arena at Gala

Dickinson State University (DSU) is set to host its annual fundraising gala, Cowboys & Candlelight, on March 7, 2026. This year’s event will mark a significant milestone with the official opening of the new $24 million DSU Rodeo Arena, named after former student and rodeo star Dale Little Soldier. The arena, which will serve as a state-of-the-art facility for rodeo athletes, will enhance the university’s rodeo program while providing a unique opportunity for community engagement.

The Cowboys & Candlelight event combines a festive atmosphere with cowboy culture, featuring cowboy hats, bolo ties, and stylish attire. The evening will commence with the official signing of the team’s 2026-27 recruits at 16:00, followed by a social gathering and open house at 17:00. Attendees will have the chance to tour the refurbished Agriculture Building and the new arena, which boasts an 800-seat spectator capacity and a warm-up/cool-down area.

According to Joe Schmidt, head rodeo coach at DSU, the opening of the arena represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “The magnitude of that is hard to put into words,” Schmidt stated. “There will not be a grand opening of an arena like this at Dickinson in my lifetime.” The naming of the arena after Little Soldier, who competed in the 1950s, adds historical significance to the event, reflecting the university’s commitment to honoring its past while looking toward the future.

The gala will also feature a live and silent auction, with items available for preview online starting next week. Tickets for the event are priced at $100 per person or $1,500 for a table of eight. The keynote speaker will be Bear Pascoe, a former Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants and a respected steer wrestler. Schmidt highlighted the unique opportunity for attendees to meet Pascoe, saying, “It’s not every day you get to have a Super Bowl-winning football player and rodeo coach in town.”

The new arena is expected to profoundly impact both DSU athletes and the local community. Schmidt noted that the facility will provide a top-notch training environment, which will benefit students and contribute to the community’s appreciation of rodeo culture. “It will have a compound effect on all the students who are going to use the arena to learn and get better,” he added.

In addition to the exciting developments surrounding the rodeo program, DSU is preparing for a transition to the Big Sky Region for the 2025-26 season, moving from its previous association in the Great Plains Region. This transition is anticipated to enhance the program’s visibility and improve recruitment efforts. A press release from the university states, “The Big Sky Region is widely recognized for its depth of talent, strong rodeo culture, and high-level competition.”

Local talents such as Teytum Bullinger and Trae Fisher are among the future recruits, with additional potential signings, including standout rodeo athlete Shane Stroh. Stroh expressed the importance of visiting DSU to explore the program and connect with coaches and current athletes, emphasizing the significance of finding a supportive community within the sport.

The Cowboys & Candlelight gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, combining the love of rodeo with a celebration of community and heritage. For more information about the event and tickets, visit the DSU website at www.dsubluehawks.com/sports/rodeo.