The 2022, 16th annual Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale officially began a day earlier with a twist that was welcoming to many who enjoyed a great pre-party and a fun auction! The Ariat WSTR American Rodeo Open Calcutta held on Friday, Dec 1st, 2022, was added to this year's agenda, opening the door for ropers and fans to enjoy bidding on the teams they felt would be victorious on Saturday, Dec 3rd in the Ariat World Series of Team Roping American Rodeo Open to the World Finale.
Sponsored by the Flying H Ranch, the Open Calcutta was held on Dec 2nd at the South Point Casino and Hotel ballroom for a live viewing of the 2nd round of the National Finals Rodeo followed by the Calcutta bidding.
The night wrapped up with every team sold. From the high selling teams to the sleepers, all the successful bidders walked away with great anticipation waiting to see who picked them right to steal the show with the winning team!
An impressive first out total payout of $66,000 was paid with Art Franklin the high earner winning a little over $15,000 by successfully bidding on the winning team of Jake Cooper Clay and Kollin VonAhn and the 5th place team of Britt and Jake Smith. In addition, $21,800 was raised for K9s4Cops, an organization that brings trained service dogs to law enforcement to help combat crime all-across the world. It was a night of fun, laughter, and a jump-start into the action at this year's Finale in Las Vegas!
You can bet this addition to the Finale event in Las Vegas will be back.
