Cody Johnson Championship Event Brings Team Roping To Belton This October

Cody Johnson’s COJO Championship event is coming to Belton in October!

Western Heritage Gala and COJO Championship Event

Community leaders, lovers of Western culture, and team roping enthusiasts will gather in Central Texas October 6th through October 11th for an event dedicated to patriotism, athletic grit, and community-driven philanthropy. The Cody Johnson Championship Event coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, with the 2026 festivities combining elite arena competition with an exclusive fundraising gala to benefit local service organizations and Texas youth.

High-Stakes Arena Action

At the heart of the weekend is the Cody Johnson Championship Event presented by Tractor Supply Company, a competition that captures the heart defining the traditional cowboy spirit. The showcase brings the world's premier team ropers to Central Texas to compete for championship titles alongside life-changing purse money.

Weekend Cowboys Compete

The tournament structure ensures that amateur competitors share the arena on equal footing. "Weekend cowboys" have a direct path to compete for the same lucrative rewards and championship recognition as seasoned professionals, offering everyday ropers the opportunity to demonstrate their skill on a national stage.

Philanthropy Focused on Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Texas FFA

Beyond the arena competition, the event operates with a broader mission: partnering with the team roping sport and the wider Western lifestyle industry to build strong community ties. A primary objective of the championship event is to generate financial support and opportunities for the Texas Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Charities Benefitting from the Event

Proceeds from the weekend's festivities will also benefit charitable organizations supporting active military members, law enforcement personnel, first responders, and agricultural youth programs.

Gala Event Featuring Cody Johnson

The event culminates in a formal gala featuring a hosted cocktail reception, where guests are encouraged to wear Western cocktail attire. Attendees will enjoy an amazing dinner as they bid on exclusive live auction packages. The evening's highlight features an intimate, acoustic performance by country music star Cody Johnson.

2026 COJO Schedule

Event organizers have officially released the full schedule for the 2026 Cody Johnson Music and Roping event, spanning six action-packed days from Tuesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 11. Hosted primarily at the Huntington Bank Expo center in Belton, the annual celebration promises a comprehensive lineup of championship arena action, fan activities, youth mentorship, and high-profile charitable giving.

October 6 at 10:00 AM

Today’s events begin with a VIP and sponsor golf tournament hosted at the Mill Creek Golf Course in Salado. Later that afternoon at 5:00 PM, the arena action opens at the Huntington Bank Expo with free public admission for the Breakaway Roping showcase.

Wednesday, October 7

Today’s events focus on top-tier women's and youth competitions. The arena features the All Girl Team Roping at 8:30 AM, followed by the COJO Junior Open at 11:00 AM and the COJO Junior #10.5 class at 2:00 PM. In the evening, young athletes will gather at 4:00 PM in the Champions Lounge for a Youth Night of Tacos & Motivation.

Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9

Main-draw arena play begins on Thursday, October 8 at 8:30 AM with The COJO Long Round. Competition continues Friday, October 9 at 8:30 AM featuring the #12.5 roping with a #11.5 incentive class.Friday evening anchors the weekend's philanthropic activities.

Championship Saturday

Saturday, October 10 serves as the primary ticketed showcase for fans:

Pro-Am & Calcutta: The morning opens at 10:00 AM with the Pro-Am Celebrity Invitational, followed by the arena Calcutta at 12:00 PM.

Fan Zone Activities: From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, attendees can enjoy interactive fan zone games—including cornhole tournaments and dummy roping contests—in front of the venue.

The Short Round: The main event action culminates at 2:00 PM with The COJO Short Round, determining this year's champions.

Live Entertainment: Festivities wrap up at 5:00 PM with live music inside the Champions Lounge.

Sunday Finale

The event concludes on Sunday, October 11, beginning with a 7:00 AM breakfast and cowboy church service. The week of competition officially closes at 8:30 AM with the #10.5 Businessman's Roping. Admission to the arena throughout Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday remains free to the general public.