Bailey Heryford

Tag: sports

  • Bucking Tradition: How Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Reinvents Rodeo Through PR and Pop Culture

    As a fan of Kid Rock and someone who’s passionate about rodeo, this is the kind of event that immediately caught my attention. Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo isn’t just a rodeo—it’s a full-blown spectacle. The idea of watching elite rodeo athletes compete inside AT&T Stadium while Kid Rock performs live? That sounds like my kind of night. And from a public relations perspective, it’s also a brilliant move.

    Held in Arlington, Texas, Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo is a hybrid event that kicks off the PBR World Finals weekend with a bang. Six teams of rodeo athletes face off in a bracket-style tournament featuring seven classic rodeo disciplines—from breakaway roping to barrel racing. Between the action, the crowd is treated to a high-energy concert from Kid Rock himself. Which seems crazy, in the best way possible.

     Why PR Professionals Should Be Paying Attention:

    This event is more than just entertaining; it’s a smart example of how public relations strategy can elevate an entire sport in a super exciting way.

    Partnership Power: With the involvement of WCRA and the inclusion of the “Free Riders” team (made up of athletes who qualify through Rodeo Corpus Christi), the event creates new access points for rising stars. This adds even more depth and meaning to the competition.

    Reaching New Audiences: By pairing rodeo with a major music artist, the event taps into new fan bases, including people who might not have considered attending a rodeo now have a reason to check it out.

    Storytelling Through Teams: The team format makes it easy for fans to follow and connect with the competition. Each team has a story, and fans are encouraged to pick their favorites—just like they would in traditional sports.

    Maximum Shareability: From the visuals to the format to the concert energy, the event is built for social media. PR wins are built into the DNA of the show. It overall super high energy and engaging to all audiences.

     The Takeaway:

    Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo is a prime example of how sports can evolve without losing their roots. This event celebrates the tradition of rodeo while embracing modern entertainment and marketing strategies. It’s fun, fresh, and incredibly smart from a PR standpoint.

    Want to Be Part of It?

    Whether you’re a rodeo fan, a PR student like me, or just someone who loves a great live event, this is one to keep on your radar. The 2025 Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo has wrapped up, but if you missed it—don’t worry. You can still catch the excitement next year! Visit kidrocknrodeo.com for event updates and keep an eye on AT&T Stadium’s website for future ticket info and announcements.

    https://www.instagram.com/kidrockrnr/

    https://www.instagram.com/attstadium/

  • Beyond the Buckle: How PRCA Athletes Use Social Media to Build Personal Brands

    Rodeo today is about more than just what happens inside the arena. While the thrill of the eight-second ride and the chase for championship buckles are still front and center, many Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) athletes are expanding their presence far beyond the sport itself. Social media has become a major part of that evolution. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube give athletes the opportunity to build their fan base, share their lives, and form strong brand partnerships that elevate their careers both in and out of the arena. and personally, I love it!

    The athletes who do this well are the ones who are authentic. Fans want more than highlight reels — they want to see the early mornings, the long drives, the daily grind, and even the tough moments. When athletes share both the wins and everything it took to get there, it creates a much stronger connection.

    I’ve always been around sports, but what really made rodeo stand out to me was seeing how PRCA athletes share their lives online. Scrolling through their Instagrams and getting a behind-the-scenes look at their routines, travel, and everyday moments made the sport feel more personal and compelling. It pulled me in and got me interested in how these athletes are using social media to build strong, relatable personal brands. Here are a few of my favorites to follow:

    Shad Mayfield (@themoneymayfield

    Shad Mayfield, also known as “MoneyMayfield” has over 140,000 followers, and his content is a great mix of training, competition, and personal life. His posts feel focused and real which makes it easy for fans to feel connected to his journey. I especially like watching his roping drills and workouts. You can tell how much work goes into what he does, and it’s motivating to see that kind of dedication. It definitely inspires fans.

    Hailey Kinsel (@haileykinsel)

    Hailey Kinsel has a strong presence online with over 285,000 followers. Her content shows both her life in the arena and her everyday moments, and it’s always clear how important her horse Sister is to her. I’ve always admired confident, driven athletes, and Hailey shows that through her consistency and focus. She doesn’t overdo it — she just stays true to who she is, and that stands out. She is also super fun on TikTok, she is always using trending sounds and video ideas!

    Rocker Steiner (@rocker_steiner)

    Honestly, Rocker is definitely my favorite to follow. He’s 21 — same age as me — and reminds me of some of the guys from my high school friend group. There’s just something funny and cool about watching someone like that now living this big, rodeo-star life with so much talent and attention online.

    His content is always bold and unpredictable. One day it’s an insane bareback ride, the next it’s just him being goofy or showing off a random part of his day. He doesn’t hold back or try to act perfect, and I think that’s what makes his brand so strong. He’s totally himself online, and you can tell he actually enjoys posting and interacting with fans. His feed stands out because it’s not just rodeo — it’s his whole personality. Overall, super relatable to the younger audiences.

    What all of these athletes have in common is that they’re telling their own stories. They’re not just posting for work, but they’re showing people what life in rodeo really looks like. That kind of storytelling helps build emotional connections and loyal followings. It also makes brand partnerships — with companies like Wrangler, YETI, and Resistol — feel natural and authentic.

    Their engagement matters too. When athletes reply to comments, share fan posts, or open up in Q&As, it shows they care about building community, not just a following. It helps build lifelong connections and fandoms.

    In a sport that doesn’t always get constant media attention, social media gives PRCA athletes the space to take control of their own narratives and connect with a much wider audience.