Downtown saw more cowboy hats, bolo ties and big shiny belt buckles than usual this weekend as the second annual San Diego Rodeo took over Petco Park for three nights. “They don’t have anything like this in England,” said Andy Wayne, who immigrated from the United Kingdom 11 years ago. “It’s wild, it’s fun. I don’t understand how anyone can learn to do it. It’s just so much activity and excitement.” About 15,000 people are expected to attend each day of the rodeo, which on Friday attracted devoted fans, curious first-timers and some detractors who protested at the entrance holding signs calling the event “animal abuse.” While it was a new experience for Wayne and many others, seasoned fans who follow the rodeo circuit cheered at the appearance of crowd favorites such as 23-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion Jackie Crawford and former Washington State University quarterback Jesse Brown, a steer wrestler who scored highest in his event Friday. Kashton Ford of Sturgis, South Dakota, participates in bareback riding during the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Isabella Campos, 13, an escaramuza charra, prepares to perform in the opening ceremonies during the the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune)A participant in tie down roping during the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) A young charro performs at the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) People watch the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) A performance during the opening ceremonies at the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Show Caption1 of 6Kashton Ford of Sturgis, South Dakota, participates in bareback riding during the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand In other events, bareback riders were scored for their performance after staying on bucking broncos for eight seconds, cowboys raced horses around three barrels and cowgirls performed break-away roping that involved lassoing calves without throwing or tying them down. The rodeo continued Saturday with 12 competing teams and concludes Sunday with the eight top money-earners competing in the final rounds. Petco Park’s infield was transformed into a staging area where riders on horses or steers emerged from chutes, while the outfield was covered with dirt for the competition area, with the tall yellow foul-ball pole providing the only hint to the park’s usual layout. New concession stands for the event included a Crown Royal Saloon that provided free bandanas and photos against a desert backdrop, while Brixton and Resistol had temporary booths selling cowboy hats. The menu at Karl Strauss was changed for the weekend to include “Eight Second Margaritas” and “Outlaw Lemonade.” Sidney Jesperon and Samantha Prado, both of San Diego, protest the rodeo being held at Petco Park on Jan. 12, 2024. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune) This was not San Diego’s first rodeo, and it was not without controversy. The San Diego Rodeo was held for the first time at Petco Park last January — no rodeo had been held in the city since the 1980s before then — and it was protested by animal-rights advocates who called it cruel and abusive. A City Council proposal to restrict the event and ban calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling failed last year. “Enjoy the animal abuse,” one protester said to people walking into the converted ballpark Friday. Ellen Ericksen, co-founder of Humanity for Animals and organizer of the protest that attracted about 20 people Friday, said she had been assaulted at other rodeo protests, including one in Lakeside where she said she was body-slammed, but so far things were peaceful at Petco. “The animals are intentionally abused,” she said. “The animals are abused even before the rodeo starts. Farm animals are used in the rodeo. They’re kind, docile animals. They only get aggressive when they’re agitated. They’re in pain and they’re hurt during the rodeo. “This is not a sporting event,” she added. Kody Lamb of Sherwood Park, Alabama, participates in bareback riding during the San Diego Rodeo on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Inside Petco Park, others marveled at the skill of the competitors. “I grew up with it,” said Colorado native Christine Kaussen. “I would say I’m very impressed with the athleticism.” Her companion, James Canning, said he was more unfamiliar with rodeo but went because it was something different happening in San Diego. “I think it’s a different part of our culture that doesn’t always get celebrated, especially on the West Coast,” he said. “There are those who like it and those who don’t. However, it’s a major part of Americana culture, and we’ve got to respect it.” Jose Figueroa also was impressed by what he saw at his first rodeo. “It was honestly a great experience,” he said. “It was nice seeing the different competitions. I came from Puerto Rico. We do a lot with horses, but definitely nothing compared to what the men and women are doing out here on horses.” Opening night Friday included a concert by Elle King, with concerts by Ryan Bingham on Saturday and Colter Wall on the final day Sunday.