MCALESTER, Okla. — An Oklahoma city is considering bringing back what was the nation's last remaining prison rodeo.
The Oklahoman reported that the city of McAlester has begun discussing reviving the event that allowed inmates to compete in various activities after it closed in 2010. A professional bull riding organization has taken interest in resurrecting the city's tradition.
Many of McAlester's citizens, along with city officials, have been trying to start the rodeo back up because it was a major source of income for the city that drew tourists from across the country, according to tourism manager Kathy Wall. Wall said that 89 percent of the revenue generated by the rodeo came from visitors from out-of-town.
The rodeo closed due to low staffing at the prison and the need for expensive repairs to the rodeo stadium.