The National Western Stock Show has come to town and this Friday night has been dubbed “CU Night.” The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Denver Coliseum.
The event is geared towards faculty, students and alumni of CU. Last year, over 800 faculty, students and alumni attended, said Marilyn Decalo, director of business and community relations at CU.
“CU Night is an opportunity for us to do some community outreach,” said Decalo. “The Stock Show is a great way to participate in our western heritage and to explore Colorado history.”
CU and the National Western Stock Show have been working together for 10 years to create this annual event that Decalo describes as a “huge success.”
For students whose only knowledge of the West is a pair of cowboy boots and a Tim McGraw greatest hits CD, the National Western Stock Show is a prime opportunity to embrace Colorado and frontier culture. Other events during CU Night will include a horse show and petting zoo. A freestyle bullfight will also take place.
Nancy Johnston, the sponsorship manager of the National Western Stock Show, said the Stock Show is excited to share this long-time tradition with CU.
“Colorado has a lot of western tradition and root which the National Western Stock Show has presented for 100 years,” Johnston said. “We have a good relationship with CU and are happy to welcome the regents and President Hank Brown.”
During the rodeo, the National Western Stock Show will honor the regents by giving them rides around the arena in a stage coach. The procession will be led by CU’s very own mascot, Ralphie.
CU Night will serve as both entertainment and academic charity. The National Western Stockshow is a means to preserve western tradition, but it also emphasizes the importance of education, said Decalo.
The entrance fee for CU Night will be $10, and a portion of the proceeds will be used for scholarships to support students at CU, Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming. CU will receive two of the scholarships.
