MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Rodeo team (SAU Rodeo) and Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – are excited to share a new partnership through the company’s College Rodeo division, designed to strengthen collegiate rodeo programs and heighten exposure for the sport.
The partnership will allow Learfield to utilize its advanced, data-driven solutions in digital and on-site fan engagement, in-venue branding, original content development through Learfield Studios, and integration with student-athlete name, image and likeness (NIL), along with other marketing assets, to create authentic fan connections for local, regional and national brands, as it does for more than 160 college athletics departments nationwide.
“In joining with Learfield College Rodeo our goal of being one of the top Collegiate Programs in the nation is enhanced,” said Rusty Hayes, Coach at Southern Arkansas University. With the increased exposure, promotion and revenue sharing with Learfield’s experience and resources the Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team will continue to provide the best collegiate rodeo experience for our student athletes.”
Learfield College Rodeo, which launched in the summer of 2023, is committed to advancing college rodeo while celebrating the widespread influence and popularity of western heritage and culture. Through the College Rodeo division, Learfield leverages its longtime success in providing sports and cross-campus marketing solutions to deliver new opportunities for college rodeo teams. Southern Arkansas Rodeo will join Cal Poly, Colorado Mesa, Colorado State, Idaho State, Kansas State, Dickinson State, Montana, Montana State, Montana Western, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, UNLV, Utah State, and Wyoming as the 15th member of the rodeo program, as well as the Central Rocky Mountain Region as LCR’s first regional partner in May 2024.
“We’re excited to announce the addition of the Southern Arkansas Rodeo Team to Learfield College Rodeo,” said Brad Poe, Vice President & General Manager of Learfield College Rodeo. “The Mulerider’s are nationally competitive, and we aim to support their growth and continue to build upon a championship experience for their rodeo athletes.”
Southern Arkansas University Rodeo, a competitive rodeo team under the leadership of Coach Rusty Hayes, who, as a student at SAU, rebuilt the team from the ground up. Since 1972, Southern Arkansas University Rodeo has competed in the Ozark Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), maintaining a continued legacy of excellence. Most notably, SAU Rodeo has made 15 consecutive appearances at the
College National Finals Rodeo. The program has also produced several notable athletes, including national and reserve champions, and consistently ranks among the top teams in the region and nation. The new partnership with Learfield College Rodeo will support the team’s continued growth, student-athlete development, and national exposure.
About Learfield
Learfield is the media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.