Presented by:
SMOKY MOUNTAINS RODEO SHOWDOWN
Presented by Stowers CAT
July 10 & 11, 2026 | Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol, Tennessee
Get ready for two unforgettable nights of western action, family entertainment, and non-stop adrenaline as the Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown Presented by Stowers CAT charges into the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th, 2026.
For the first time in decades, one of the most iconic venues in American motorsports transforms into a full-scale rodeo battleground as thousands of fans gather in Thunder Valley for a destination event unlike anything the region has seen.
Produced by C.Gardner Media & Promotions in partnership with Ernie Treadway Rodeo Company, this high-energy showcase brings together top rodeo athletes, rank stock, specialty entertainment, and Appalachian pride inside the world-famous Bristol Motor Speedway.
From bucking bulls under the lights to fast horses flying through the barrels, Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown delivers a full evening of edge-of-your-seat competition mixed with big-event production and Bristol-sized atmosphere. This is not your average county fair rodeo — this is a professionally produced, destination-level western sporting event staged inside one of the most recognized venues in the country.
EVENT LOCATION:
Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway Blvd
Bristol, TN 37620
TICKETS:
Limited Infield Seating Available Each Night
VIP & General Admission Options Available
Bring the family, grab your boots, and witness history in Thunder Valley as rodeo returns to Bristol in a way only this venue can deliver.
Bristol… are you ready?
EVENT DATES:
Friday, July 10, 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
EVENT TIMES:
Gates Opens – 6:00 PM
Live Pre-Rodeo Concert – 6:30 PM
Show Begins – 8:00 PM
LIVE PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT
Before the bucking chutes crack open, fans will get to enjoy an hour of live music each night inside Bristol Motor Speedway as Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown hosts its official Pre-Show Rodeo Concert from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM on both Friday and Saturday evening.
This high-energy concert experience will help set the tone for the night as fans take in live country and southern rock music, grab food and drinks, shop the vendor midway, and enjoy the full atmosphere before the rodeo begins.
For guests wanting the ultimate concert view, special in-arena concert seating will be available for purchase, offering an up-close entertainment experience directly on the arena floor before the main rodeo performance begins.
It’s the perfect way to kick off each night in Thunder Valley before the action starts at 7:30 PM.
Pressley Laton Band
Friday night’s pre-show entertainment will feature the Pressley Laton Band, a rising Boone, North Carolina artist known for her gritty blend of alternative country, roots rock, and soulful Appalachian songwriting.
With powerhouse vocals, hard-hitting originals, and a southern rock edge that has made her one of the High Country’s fastest growing live performers, Pressley brings an authentic mountain-country sound that fits Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown perfectly.
Backed by her full band, fans can expect a high-energy set packed with bold vocals, crowd favorites, and the kind of raw country-rock presence that has quickly built Pressley Laton’s name across North Carolina and the Southeast live music scene.
Aaron Walker
Saturday night’s pre-show entertainment will feature Aaron Walker, a Greenville, Tennessee country artist known for his southern grit, outlaw-country edge, and high-energy live performances across East Tennessee and the surrounding region. Aaron has built a strong local following with his blend of country favorites, southern rock influence, and boot-stomping originals that keep crowds fired up from start to finish.
With a voice built for rowdy summer nights and a stage presence that connects naturally with country music fans, Aaron Walker brings the kind of hard-driving sound that fits right at home inside Thunder Valley.
Backed by his full band, Saturday night’s crowd can expect a loud, energetic mix of country, southern rock, and crowd-pleasing favorites as Aaron Walker helps kick off the final night of Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown.
SPONSORSHIP/ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Looking to get your business in front of a packed crowd? The Smoky Mtn Rodeo Showdown offers over ten cost-effective advertising options designed to fit any budget—and turn heads while doing it. From arena banners and digital promotions to event sponsorships and more, our packages are built to boost your brand in a big way.
Please send inquiries to : C.GardnerMedia@gmail.com
Previous Partners
Vendor Opportunities
We are currently accepting vendor applications for the Smoky Mountains Rodeo Showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway. We welcome a variety of shopping, craft, and promotional vendors, including brand activations and interactive booths looking to engage with our audience. This is a great opportunity to showcase your products or services in front of thousands of attendees. Please note, food and beverage vendors are not being accepted, as all concessions are exclusively managed by Bristol Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants.
Please send inquiries to : C.GardnerMedia@gmail.com