​Ask almost any cowboy or cowgirl what rodeo they want to win before their career is over, and somewhere near the top of that list is Cheyenne Frontier Days. It doesn’t matter if they’ve won a world title or they’re backing into the box for the first time. There is something different about hearing your name announced as the champion at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.”This year, The Daddy returns to Frontier Park, and although there are some changes to the rodeo’s format, much will remain the same, including the atmosphere, the sold-out crowds, the big paydays, and the best cowboys and cowgirls competing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis year, the biggest change for contestants is that there are no timed event slacks anymore. Cheyenne is now a rodeo you have to qualify for. This year, there were qualifying rodeos for the WPRA and PRCA contestants as well, and the rest of the spots were filled using the 2025 and 2026 World Standings.Cheyenne Frontier Days Moves to Qualifying Format Eliminating Slack in 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days Moves to Qualifying Format Eliminating Slack in 2026 The historic rodeo will eliminate slack rounds and introduce a qualifying system, prompting discussion and controversary across PRCA and WPRA members. The rodeo begins on July 17th with a 12:45 pm performance. The first set of contestants will take on the sandy beaches of Cheyenne in hopes of advancing. These quarter-final performances will take place every day through July 22nd.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe top 6 contestants from each event in each quarter-final performance will advance to the semi-finals. The 23rd, 24th, and 25th will make up the semifinals, where 12 contestants each day will battle for a top 4 spot to advance to the finals. Championship Sunday will take place on the 26th, where champions will be crowned.In the past, around 200 contestants in each timed event would enter Cheyenne and get to rope and run in the slacks before the performances began. Then, from there, a group of them would advance into those quarterfinals. This year, the quarterfinals are the first time any contestant will step foot into the arena.Along with the historic rodeo, Cheyenne is also known for the top of the line concerts and the rest of fun things to do while at the Frontier Days.July 17th – Treaty Oak Revival with Jessie MurphJuly 18th – Alex WarrenJuly 19th – The Red Clay Strays with Wyatt FloresJuly 22nd – Riley Green with Trace AdkinsJuly 23rd – Blake Shelton with Avery AnnaJuly 24th – HARDY with Cameron WitcombJuly 25th – Zach Top with Jo Dee MessinaAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Xtreme Bulls event will then take place on the two middle days, July 20th and July 21st. This is not a part of the regular PRCA bull riding that will be included in the rodeo, but many of the same cowboys might be on the roster.Fans can also plan on spending the day eating authentic bbq, strolling the shops, or enjoying the events and gift shopping at the Indian Village