Cattle will once again take over part of the Sul Ross State University campus this month as the university celebrates its Western heritage with its annual Campus Cattle Drive.
The 2026 Campus Cattle Drive is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the University Center on the Alpine campus, according to a university promotional announcement.
The event brings cattle, horseback riders and cowboy culture directly onto the university grounds, creating one of Sul Ross’ more distinctive campus traditions. Previous cattle drives have also begun at 6 p.m. near the University Center Mall.
The cattle drive comes two days before the start of the 81st annual Sul Ross College Rodeo, scheduled for Sept. 24-26 at the S.A.L.E. Arena in Alpine. Rodeo performances begin at 7 p.m. each night.
The events reflect a ranching and rodeo tradition deeply tied to Sul Ross and the Big Bend region. Sul Ross operates a 468-acre working ranch used by its animal science programs in addition to its 93-acre main campus in Alpine.
Sul Ross also occupies an important place in collegiate rodeo history. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was organized in Alpine in 1949, earning the university recognition as the birthplace of college rodeo.
The Campus Cattle Drive is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at the University Center. The college rodeo follows Sept. 24-26.
