You Won't Believe What Happened When Angola Prison Rodeo Invaded the Superdome!

In an unexpected twist for rodeo enthusiasts, the founders of Hondo Rodeo Fest found inspiration from a unique and often unseen venue: the dirt arena inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. During their visit last October to the Angola Prison Rodeo, an inmate-run event recognized as “The Wildest Show in the South,” co-founders James Trawick and Blake Cody anticipated little more than a research trip. What they discovered was a six-decade-old institution that serves not only as entertainment but also as a behavioral incentive and rehabilitation program within one of America's most notorious prisons.

This experience has now evolved into a pivotal element of the Hondo Rodeo Fest, which is set to debut at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans from April 10-13, 2026. The festival aims to combine high-stakes rodeo events with a star-studded concert lineup, offering a blend of entertainment that appeals to a wide audience.

Organizers are bringing a select group of top-performing inmates from the Angola rodeo to compete in their own segment on the Superdome floor. This rare opportunity for the inmates, who typically perform in front of crowds of 10,000 to 12,000 in rural West Feliciana Parish, marks a significant moment for the Angola rodeo program. Trawick, a former professional rodeo competitor and now Hondo's CEO, emphasized that participation in the Angola rodeo is merit-based: “Not just any inmate gets to compete. You earn your way there through behavior, and then you earn your way again through performance. It’s structured around accountability.”

A Unique Stage for Redemption

During the festival, eight participants from Angola will take part in standalone rodeo segments lasting about 30 minutes each night, following Hondo’s professional events. The competition will likely focus on rough-stock events like bull riding and bronc riding, with prize money split evenly between Louisiana’s Victims Impact Fund and the inmates. Cody highlighted the initiative's dual purpose: “This is about creating purpose and dignity where it’s been earned, while still honoring responsibility.”

The logistics of this unique partnership have been scrutinized at the highest levels of state governance, including the prison’s warden and the administration of Gov. Jeff Landry. Inmates will be transported under strict supervision and will not compete directly against professional athletes. Landry’s spokesperson, Kate Kelly, noted that a formal announcement regarding the initiative is forthcoming.

The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Gary Westcott, confirmed that discussions are ongoing to showcase the Angola Rodeo to a larger audience, expressing excitement about the collaboration. Preparations for the inmates include sending professional rodeo athletes to help them acclimate to the Superdome's larger audience, which could exceed 40,000 spectators.

“We don’t want to throw anyone out there unprepared,” Trawick stated. “This is about respect for the athletes and the moment.”

Hondo Rodeo Fest isn’t just a traditional rodeo—it’s a carefully curated entertainment experience that began in Phoenix in 2024. Trawick aims to address concerns about inconsistent quality in rodeo events, striving for elite-level competition at every show. Hondo’s professional roster includes around 76 top-ranked competitors, providing a recognizable and repeatable experience as the brand expands.

The festival also features a robust concert lineup with major acts like Jason Aldean, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson, and Old Dominion. This ambitious cross-pollination of rodeo and major concerts underscores Hondo's goal to operate at the scale of a large touring festival, while also embracing local music culture by including artists like Trombone Shorty.

Hondo Rodeo Fest is a strategic response to fill a significant gap in New Orleans' spring tourism calendar, particularly after the city lost WrestleMania, which had been anticipated to significantly boost tourism. The state has committed $2 million from Louisiana’s Major Events Fund to secure the festival, with officials optimistic that it can become an annual spring fixture.

Gov. Landry and his economic development chief, Susan Bourgeois, view Hondo as pivotal for driving tourism and supporting local businesses. “This is exactly the kind of event that drives tourism, supports local businesses, and gives us a national stage to showcase Louisiana,” Landry remarked.

As Hondo Rodeo Fest prepares for its debut, the partnership with the Angola Prison Rodeo highlights not only the festival's innovative spirit but also its potential to impact lives within and beyond the prison system. While the inaugural run is currently a one-year commitment, a successful event could pave the way for future dates, making it a defining feature of New Orleans’ cultural landscape.