CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne Frontier Days contributed $50.4 million to Laramie County’s economy in 2024, according to its annual Report to Our Community released Tuesday. The event, which drew 550,000 attendees over 10 days, generated significant revenue for local businesses and funded infrastructure projects at Frontier Park.
Tourists spent $16.4 million on entertainment and recreation, $11 million on overnight accommodations, $8.8 million on food and drinks and $14.3 million on retail purchases, including fuel and groceries. CFD also supported 660 jobs and contributed $2.6 million in state and local taxes.
“The mission of Cheyenne Frontier Days is to attract visitors to our community to provide economic benefit for businesses and community members,” CFD CEO Tom Hirsig stated in a press release on the report.
CFD saw 146,500 unique attendees, with 107,500 traveling from outside Laramie County. The majority of visitors attended a Frontier Nights concert (61%) or rodeo performance (75%). Nearly two-thirds of overnight visitors stayed in hotels, motels or short-term rentals.
Ticket sales remained a major driver of revenue. Rodeo events drew 115,494 fans, while concerts attracted 122,794 attendees. Professional Bull Riding events brought in 17,657 spectators.
Future investments in Frontier Park
CFD announced upcoming projects to improve Frontier Park, including:
- A Morning Star American Indian Village expansion, to be completed in 2026
- A new Chute 9 rodeo facility
- A $40 million replacement of the B Grandstand
- A bridge over Interstate 25 connecting F.E. Warren Air Force Base to Frontier Park
Hirsig said CFD relies entirely on event revenue to maintain and upgrade its facilities. “We are careful stewards of the funding that our event generates, and we consider each project and the priorities for park improvements before getting underway,” he said.
Beyond economic benefits, CFD contributed $60,320 to nonprofit organizations and donated 162 tickets to charities, including the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative and Cheyenne Little Theater Players. The event also hosted blood drives, supported suicide awareness initiatives and partnered with the Cheyenne Farmers Market.
The report highlights CFD’s role as a major driver of tourism and economic growth in Wyoming, second only to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as a visitor attraction.
CFD organizers say planning is already underway for the 2025 event, with efforts focused on maintaining its position as a premier Western celebration while continuing to support local businesses and infrastructure development.
