Elk City, Okla. – May 8, 2024 – Beutler Bros. Arena in Elk City just got a facelift.
The Elk City Rodeo Association installed new Preifert chutes last week.
The old chutes were in need of replacement, said Larry McConnell, chairman of the rodeo committee. They were made of pipe and wood and had been installed in the 1960s.
The old chutes were shorter than the new ones, and hinges sometimes broke, which caused problems during the rodeo.
In addition to the new chutes, the committee installed a new alleyway and stripping chute, where the cowboys’ riggings, saddles and bull ropes are stripped off the animal.
Several committee members, including Randy Hargis, Jason Simon, Jeff Johnson, and Andy Janning have spent many hours tearing out the old chutes, configuring the arena for the new chutes, and installing them.
The rodeo committee is always looking for ways to improve, and the new chutes are another step in doing so, Mc-Connell said.
“They will make the rodeo run smoother. The old chutes caused us headaches in the past, when animals didn’t load as easily as they could have.
We pride ourselves on running a smooth rodeo, and this will help.”
The old chutes have been donated to the Old Town Museum in Elk City, where they will be on display.
For years, McConnell and Gary Woody, a former rodeo committee member who still volunteers each year, have wanted to get new chutes. “This was on our bucket list,” McConnell said, “and we’re finally getting it done.”
This year’s rodeo will be held August 30-Sept. 1. Tickets will go on sale in early August.
For more information, visit the website at ElkCityRodeo. com.
