The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) visits Santa Ana Star Center this week, with the action beginning at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

Billed as the “New Mexico Stampede,” it features three action-packed performances of rough-and-tumble rodeo, including Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) contestants and livestock, presented by Santa Ana Star Casino, Dodge and the New Mexico Rodeo Council.

This rodeo is produced by 2003 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year Scotty Lovelace (Classic Pro Rodeo), who produces over 20 rodeos a year, including the “Wild Wild West ProRodeo” in Silver City. The 2006 WNFR champion bareback horse “Wise Guy” will be in action, along with many other bucking horses and bulls back from the 2007 World Nationals Finals Rodeo.

More than 300 cowboys and cowgirls competing for thousands of dollars and bidding for a spot at the 2008 WNFR along with ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductee and four-time PRCA Clown of the Year Lecile Harris.

Ticket prices start at $13 for general admission seats; $19 for reserved seats and $29 for box seats (plus ticketing fee).

Tickets are on sale at the Star Center box office or www.GetTix.net, by calling 866-443-8849, at the Santa Ana Casino Player’s Club, and select Ace Hardware stores.

For more information on the PRCA and its competitors, visit www.classicprorodeo.com.

This won’t be the only rodeo at the Star Center this year: World Cup bull riding, with at least 100 cowboys n including teams from Brazil, Australia, Spain and the U.S. n compete outside the Star Center March 28-29. That rodeo will coincide with the city’s annual Pork & Brew festival.

Bull-riding fans can see the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Tour’s action at the annual Ty Murray Invitational at Tingley Coliseum March 28-30.

PBR legend Adriano Morales of Brazil recently announced this will be his last year on the circuit.