08/31/2026
Most people at the rodeo are focused on watching the arena. But there's another performance happening on the mic, and it's more complex than you might think! Here's what separates a great rodeo announcer from a good one:
1️⃣ They know the story before the gate opens. Great announcers spend hours researching every competitor so when that cowboy nods his head, the crowd already knows what's at stake.
2️⃣ They control the energy of the room. They know when to let the action speak and when to bring the crowd in. That's a skill you can't fake.
3️⃣ They teach without ever sounding like a teacher. Every newcomer in those stands needs context. The best announcers give it without making veterans feel like they've heard it all before.
4️⃣ They make the crowd feel like participants, not spectators. And that changes everything!
And hat’s off to our long-time announcer Roger Mooney. He’s part of the OPD family and we can be happier about that.
