Munsick Brothers featured at the Hansen
The University of Wyoming Rodeo Team kicked off its annual gala weekend with a pre-gala concert on March 6 at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena. The event brought together students, alumni and community supporters for an evening of live music and fundraising.
The concert took place the night before the team’s formal gala and auction on March 7 and featured Wyoming musicians Tris Munsick and Sam Munsick. It was an informal start to one of the team’s biggest fundraisers and gave attendees a chance to support the rodeo program in a relaxed, fun setting.
The pre-gala concert has become an important part of the team’s yearly fundraising. Organizers started the event to reach more people and offer an option for those who might not attend the formal gala. This year, more than 300 tickets were sold and the arena’s viewing area was full.
Guests enjoyed live music, food from vendors like Dickey’s Barbeque and The Soda Pit, and chances to meet members of the UW Rodeo Team.
Money raised at the concert helps cover the rodeo program’s operating costs, including travel, livestock care, practice resources and competition fees for student-athletes. The UW Rodeo Team is one of the university’s most visible and competitive athletic groups, regularly sending athletes to regional and national events.
The concert also gave guests a preview of the next night’s gala, which included live and silent auctions, sponsor recognition and more fundraising activities.
Hanson Arena highlighted the program’s ties to Wyoming’s ranching and Western heritage. The venue, used every day for team practices and livestock handling, was a fitting place for the Munsick brothers’ performances and the event’s community feel.
Student-athletes helped with the event, greeted guests, and shared details about the upcoming competition schedule. The pre-gala concert gave supporters a chance to meet team members outside the arena and learn about their studies, training and season goals.
The event lets supporters connect with the program in a fun setting while helping provide the financial support the team needs to stay competitive at the national level.
As the rodeo season goes on, money raised from the concert and gala will help the team travel to regional competitions and get ready for the College National Finals Rodeo. The program depends on community support to keep up training, recruit athletes and represent the university nationally.
The UW Rodeo Gala and related events are some of the biggest fundraisers for any student program on campus. They show how popular the sport is and how strong the cultural connection is between Wyoming communities and college rodeo.
