RAPID CITY, S.D. — Garrison Allen has covered plenty of ground in the PRCA the past few years, but one stop near home continues to stand out.
Allen is set to announce Rodeo Rapid City, scheduled for Jan. 30 through Feb. 7 at The Monument, one of the premier winter rodeos on the PRCA calendar.
Allen, who lives near Oelrichs, South Dakota, said Rodeo Rapid City holds special meaning both professionally and personally.
“It’s an hour and a half from the house, I know so many of the people involved, and you know the caliber of contestants that are going to be there,” Allen said in a recent interview with Derek Beck on the “Territorial Rodeo Update.” “It’s a really special rodeo for me.”
Originally from Montana, Allen moved to South Dakota in 2023 and has quickly become one of the most recognizable young voices in professional rodeo. His schedule has included stops at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska Deadwood, South Dakota, Reno, the Badlands Circuit Finals and rodeos across the West and South, along with appearances tied to the PRCA and The Cowboy Channel.
Allen said his interest in announcing began as a teenager, fueled by a family background in rodeo and encouragement from established voices behind the microphone. He credits shadowing veteran announcers like Randy Corley and Bob Tallman for helping shape his approach.
“Announcing the rodeo is probably only about 40 percent of the job,” Allen said. “The rest is how you take care of people, how you treat the committees, the contestants and the communities. Just being authentic and caring about the people you’re working with.”
At Rodeo Rapid City, Allen will work alongside entertainer and rodeo clown Justin Rumford, a pairing he said brings energy and variety to each performance.
“Every performance is different with Justin,” Allen said. “He’s quick, he’s witty, and he keeps things fresh. It makes it fun when you’re working with someone you genuinely enjoy being around.”
The Rapid City stop caps a busy stretch for Allen that includes appearances in Nevada, South Carolina and Texas before returning closer to home. Looking ahead to the summer run, Allen said he remains grateful for opportunities at both long-established rodeos and new venues.
“I never thought it would go this far when I first started,” he said. “I just tried to get mic time wherever I could, from high school rodeos on up.”
Rodeo Rapid City annually draws top PRCA talent and strong crowds to western South Dakota, making it a highlight of the winter rodeo season.
“For contestants and fans, it’s one you circle on the calendar,” Allen said. “I’m excited to be a part of it again.”
Rodeo Rapid City runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 7 at The Monument in Rapid City. Tickets and event information are available through The Monument box office.
LISTEN TO Territorial Rodeo Update segment with Garrison and Derek below
