College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

The 56^th annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo returns to the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion Feb. 14–16, bringing thousands of fans to one of the state’s most enduring rodeo traditions.

As this year’s Spartan Stampede arrives, momentum is also growing for the Farm Bureau Pavilion expansion, a project that was kick-started by a lead gift from the MSU Rodeo Club nearly a decade ago. With planning underway for the Farm Bureau Pavilion expansion, students, alumni and partners will gather for a rodeo that continues to show the importance of one of Michigan’s most heavily used agricultural facilities.

“This group of students decided to donate that money,” said Brian Nielsen, a professor in the Department of Animal Science and the Rodeo Club’s faculty advisor for the last 28 and half years. “They believed then that expanding the Pavilion was the smartest investment for future students and for Michigan agriculture. They put their money where their mouth is.”

A pivotal gift revisited

When MSU Rodeo Club announced their pledge at the Michigan Horse Expo in 2017, they hoped to increase warmup space, improve safety and make the Farm Bureau Pavilion more versatile year-round. 

MSU Rodeo Club President Eliza LaFavers, an Animal Science student from Indianapolis, said that expanding the Farm Bureau Pavilion will create many important benefits for students, animals and guests alike.

“Warm‑up space gets very congested during rodeo week,” said LaFavers. “A second arena gives competitors more room to work with their animals and creates a better flow for everyone involved.”

The Stampede attracts over 10,000 spectators and competitors, making it one of the Pavilion’s highest-impact events and a highlight of Michigan’s agricultural calendar. But Rodeo Club leaders emphasize that the Farm Bureau Pavilion supports many organizations beyond their own.

“The Block and Bridle Club use the Pavilion. The Dairy Club uses it. Several barrel races are held there too,” said LaFavers. “It’s a shared space, and the expansion will benefit the whole community.”

The Spartan Stampede highlights student leadership

The annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo showcases a depth of student involvement that sets the MSU Rodeo Club apart. Started in 1969, the MSU Rodeo Club is a proud member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). Its mission is to keep the traditions and heritage of the American sport of rodeo alive, as well as educate others.

For the Spartan Stampede, student club members coordinate nearly every element of the production. They manage sponsorships, design the arena experience and guide all major decisions with support from advisors. A testament to their dedication and commitment, the Rodeo Club recently received its eighth Indoor Rodeo of the Year award from the International Professional Rodeo Association.

“On paper, we are a rodeo club. But we have students from all backgrounds,” said Nielsen, “So what I care most about is developing people, giving them an experience that will be beneficial for them for life. And that's what this club does.”

Stampede weekend features the Queens Competition, the Youth Day educational program and the annual Charity Jackpot. This year the fundraiser supports Rodeo for Lives, a group that promotes rodeo education and equine therapy for youth from underserved communities.

A faculty advisor’s final ride

For Nielsen, the 2026 Stampede marks a major personal transition. He began advising the club in 1997 and soon became the steady force behind the growth of a program that blends leadership development, community outreach and professional level event planning. The Sunday performance of the 2026 rodeo will be Nielsen’s 108th Spartan Stampede performance.

“This has become such a part of who I am,” he said. “There will be sadness, but I am leaving knowing we accomplished what we needed to accomplish.”

He reflects fondly on memories from celebrity roping guests to student resourcefulness behind the scenes. Although he looks forward to quieter evenings in retirement, the Stampede has shaped much of his life at MSU.

“It is time for someone else to take the reins,” Nielsen said. “I will always carry the memories. It has been a great ride.”

The Farm Bureau Pavilion of the future

The MSU Pavilion opened in 1996 and soon became one of the most in-demand agricultural facilities in the state, hosting livestock shows, youth events, industry gatherings and major competitions throughout the year.

“When the Pavilion opened, people did not yet understand what it could be,” said Nielsen. “Once they saw its value, demand increased quickly. Now it is time to evolve.”

In December 2024, CANR announced a landmark gift agreement with the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies. In recognition of this generous support, the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education has been renamed the Farm Bureau Pavilion.

Each year, around 100,000 guests visit the Farm Bureau Pavilion over the course of approximately 250 days of programming, contributing over $7 million annually to the local economy. Flagship events include the Spartan Stampede, the Michigan Livestock Exhibition, many 4-H and FFA youth events, the Michigan Horse Expo and the Lansing Home and Garden Show.

The MSU Board of Trustees recently approved planning for a major expansion at the Farm Bureau Pavilion. Two design concepts are under evaluation with progress tied to fundraising. Students view the expansion as part of their long-term mission.

“The students who pledged those funds wanted to see the Farm Bureau Pavilion continue to grow,” LaFavers said. “We all want to come back years from now and see a space that is even better for contestants and families.”

For Nielsen, the 2026 Spartan Stampede is both a celebration and a reminder of the work ahead.

“The Farm Bureau Pavilion has proven its worth and its value and being able to expand it just increases that value for Michigan. Students took the first step. Now it is time for alumni and partners to help bring this project across the finish line.”

Learn more about how you can support the expansion of the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion here.