Columbiana County is not just a destination for scenic beauty and historical charm, but also for lively rodeo culture. Cowboys and cowgirls from all around gather here to witness thrilling events and experience the Western way of life. In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of the two rodeo venues in Columbiana County.
Hoppel’s Arena Rodeo
Address: 40891 State Route 518
Phone: 330.424.2051
Email: hoppelsarena@gmail.com
Facebook: Hoppel’s Arena on Facebook
Hosting events since 1985, Hoppel’s Arena is Columbiana County’s oldest dedicated rodeo and equine sports venue. Located near Lisbon, this picturesque outdoor arena sits in a beautiful natural amphitheater with a hillside perfect for spectators on one side and the Little Beaver Creek River on the other. In fact, on warmer occasions, horses and younger rodeo participants alike have been known to play in the creek to cool off! Throughout the year, Hoppel’s Arena hosts three types of events: the Cowboy Up Youth Rodeo series, a Friday Night Lights Horse Show, and a professional rodeo event.
Friday Night Lights
The Friday Night Lights event series is a barrel racing and pole bending event that takes place once per month from June through September. The specific events include “PeeWee” barrels for participants ages 10 and under, exhibition barrels, open 3-D barrels, youth barrels, exhibition poles, and 2-D poles. Entry fees for these events range from $5-$15 and there is a $5 grounds fee per horse.
Besides the actual equine events, Friday Night Lights also keeps things entertaining with a lucky number draw and prize draw. Prizes include items like t-shirts, tumblers, purses, and blankets.
Hoppel’s Championship Rodeo
The Championship Rodeo is a professional event that takes place each year on Fourth of July weekend. It includes the traditional array of rodeo events such as bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, team calf roping, and more. The 2023 edition of the event also featured live entertainment, concessions, and fireworks. If that sounds good, be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s edition of the Championship Rodeo which will take place on July 5-6th, 2024.
Cowboy Up Youth Rodeo Series
The Cowboy Up Youth Rodeo is open for ages 4-19 and takes place across eight dates from June through September. This rodeo features a variety of exciting youth events including sheep riding, bull riding, team roping, breakaway, and even dummy roping!
For more information about the Youth Rodeo check out the Cowboy Up website.
General Venue Tips
Be sure to bring cash as day-of entry fees are cash only for some events. Since the arena sits in a natural amphitheater, there’s no permanent seating so be sure to bring a folding chair and/or blankets. There are no parking fees but some events require a $5 grounds fee for your horse. For more information about upcoming events, be sure to follow Hoppel’s Arena on Facebook.
garwood arena
Address: 2538 Middleton Road, Columbiana, OH 44408
Phone: 330.717.4329
Email: garwoodarena@gmail.com
Website: Garwoodarena.com
Facebook: Garwood Arena on Facebook
Garwood Arena is located just south of the city of Columbiana and is our county’s biggest indoor host for rodeo and equestrian sports events. It’s located right next to Garwood Cattle Company on Middleton Road. In fact, the facility itself was originally intended to be Garwood Cattle Company’s calving barn. The arena is heated and is open year-round.
While Garwood Arena has a website, it is recommended that you check their Facebook page regarding event notifications and schedules, open practice times, and instructional session dates as it’s more up-to-date. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to message them directly on Facebook as they are very responsive.
Types of Events
The arena hosts various events from full rodeos to more specialized events that focus on specific equine sports disciplines. For example, Garwood Arena has hosted events focused on barrel racing, pole bending, and even mounted shooting.
An impressive mix of regional and national organizations have hosted events at Garwood Arena including the Sherry Cervi Youth Championships, The Ranch Sorting National Championships, The National Pole Bending Association, The New York Reined Cow Horse Association, and more.
Open Rodeos and Youth Rodeos
Besides the venue being used by outside organizations, Garwood Arena hosts its own events several times a year. These include their open rodeos and Youth Rodeo series.
Open Rodeos
The open rodeo season is finished for 2023, but in 2024 Garwood Arena will host four open rodeos. The tentative schedule for these is January 6, February 3, February 24, and March 23, but be sure to check the arena’s Facebook page for changes as we get closer to 2024.
Youth Rodeo Series
A popular recurring event at Garwood Arena is the Youth Rodeo Series, which is open to competitors 18 and under. The Youth Rodeo features a full slate of events including steer riding, bull riding, chute dogging, breakaway, team roping, and more. The 2022-2023 series consisted of eight rodeos with 172 contestants from six different states.
The 2023-2024 series begins around Thanksgiving and will have events in January, February, and March as well as a summer banquet. For information about how to participate in the Youth Rodeo series, please check out Garwood Arena on Facebook.
Instructional and Open Practice
Breakaway roping clinics and open practice times are available at Garwood Arena at various times throughout the year. These typically take place during the less busy portions of the rodeo season, but specific times and dates can be found on their Facebook page before the clinics.
Garwood Arena Features and Amenities
If you’re planning to visit Garwood Arena for an event, here are some of the facility’s amenities and specifications.
The arena consists of a 3 building complex all of which are heated. The main show arena, where most activities take place, measures 300’ by 480’ and features an updated sound system, removable bleacher seating, a large video display, an enclosed viewing lounge that seats 120 people, and a dining area known as the Garwood Grill.
The Garwood Grill has a varied menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and more. It also features an enclosed dining area that has a restaurant-like setup with multiple TVs mounted on the walls and table seating.
Connected to the main show arena is the 370’ long warm-up building which contains 250 permanent stalls. The fact that the warm-up area and main show building are connected means that any riders participating in events in the main show area won’t need to leave the indoor facility once they enter. This feature makes Garwood Arena exceptionally attractive during winter months.
There is a third building located on the property known as the hoop building where all roping events take place. It is 160’ by 532’ and contains 168 stalls. Like the other two buildings, it is heated, but it is not connected to the main show arena.
Parking and Trailer Hookups
The property also features an all-gravel parking lot with exceptional drainage, making it well-suited for eastern Ohio’s unpredictable weather. The parking lot also has 182 electric and water hookups giving it ample room for trailers.
2023 Events at Garwood Arena
Below is a tentative list of events for the rest of the year from Garwood Arena’s Facebook page. Be sure to check their page for updates.
- September 27 – October 1: Pinto Show
- October 4-8: Tobacco Road Congress (Cutting)
- October 13-15: Bucking Nightmare (Barrels and Poles)
- October 26-29: USCHA (Cutting)
- November 3-5: North American Reining Stakes Futurity
- November 10-11: American Finals Rodeo
- November 18-19: YEDA
- November 24-26: Garwood Arena Youth Rodeo
- December 2-3: YEDA
- December 29-31: WBS Barrel Race
For rodeo newbies to experienced participants, Garwood Arena offers a high-end experience for anyone who comes through their doors. With plenty of parking accommodations, on-site dining, and a heated indoor facility, you’re sure to have a great time.
Columbiana County’s rodeo venues offer an exciting glimpse into the world of rodeo, where you can witness the skills of talented equestrians while enjoying the hospitality and charm of this scenic region. Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo fan or simply curious about it, these venues provide an opportunity to experience the thrill. Grab your cowboy hat and boots, and head out to one of these venues for an unforgettable time in Columbiana County.