Burwell, Neb.: (June 22, 2010) – The chute gates from Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell are for sale.
The rodeo committee is replacing the old wooden bucking chutes and crow’s nest with new metal Priefert brand chutes, and selling off the old chute gates.
“They’ve seen a lot of history,” Al Hitchcock, rodeo committee member said.
There are as many as 20 chute gates available for sale. Ten hung in the arena and the others were on hand, for quick replacement, in case unruly bulls or broncs broke them. The chutes are approximately seven feet tall and nine feet long and made of 2 x 8’s.
The price for the gates is $500 per gate, unless there is more demand, and then they may be auctioned off. To get on the list to purchase a chute gate, call the rodeo office at 308.346.5010.
Several people have expressed an interest in owning them for their decorative and sentimental purposes.
The rodeo, in its 89th year of existence, has seen some of pro rodeo’s best competitors and world champions pass through its arena. World champions like bull rider Freckles Brown, saddle bronc rider Casey Tibbs and bareback rider Chris LeDoux, have all competed in Burwell and may have ridden out of the same chutes that are for sale.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell is the only rodeo site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes 40 acres of grounds and facilities, a ¾ mile track, and original wooden covered grandstands. This year’s rodeo is July 29-31. For more information, visit www.nebraskasbigrodeo.com.
