Polaris Helping Lead the Way in Western Sports Growth

As the Western sports industry continues to grow, Polaris is helping lead the charge.

Kade Kistner | Dec 22, 2023

Polaris Helping Lead the Way in Western Sports Growth /

As the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has come to a close, there is plenty to look back on this year. The Western sports and rodeo industry has seen tremendous growth.

Ticket sales are up, attendance is up and interest is at an all-time high. Much of that can be attributed to the new television shows and access to the sport.

But sponsors and companies who devote time, energy and resources to the cause are also playing a large part.

One of those companies is Polaris, a company who has defined the powersports industry since 1954. Now, they help sponsor athletes such as Stetson Wright, Sage Kimzey and Lisa Lockhart, three athletes who saw incredible success in 2023 and at this year's NFR.

Speaking with Chris Judson, Polaris' Utility Vice President, he was able to give some insight on how Polaris is helping the industry and how he believes the company can grow the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life.

"We exist to help people accomplish more. We have seen that come to life with this customer set and lifestyle as much or more than anywhere else," said Chris Judson. "Lots of people working on the ranch or athletes competing in rodeo or working on the farm or even in the yard."

While their impact is undeniable in helping support the sport through sponsorship, awareness and their helpful products, how can they help grow the sport into something even more?

"Our relationship with PRCA continues to grow. We love being involved and the NFR has been awesome. Personally, I have gone every year since 2015, it's something to look forward to every year, but that's the icing on the cake at the end of the year," said Judson.

"It's really about how are we involved in the lifestyle throughout the year. We continue to get engage and look for opportunities with PRCA to be present and active at rodeos across the circuits throughout the year. We will continue to add to that just to be there to support our athletes and the lifestyle and show up. As we think about where we exist in the lifestyle and on the farm, we are here to help people accomplish more."

There is a lot that Polaris is doing for the Western sports industry, its way of life and its athletes.

For more information, check out their website here!

Published Dec 22, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.