Dates for the 31st annual George Strait Team Roping Classic have been announced. According to George’s website, the 2013 event will take place on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas. The GSTRC is the largest open roping event in America with over $700,000 in cash and prizes available to the participants. Last year, 545 teams from all over the country competed for the 2012 championship title and grand prize.

Of course Strait is known first and foremost for his contribution to country music, but he doesn’t just sing about being a country boy — the legendary star is a pretty legitimate cowboy in his own right. Strait and his brother, Buddy, started the George Strait Team Roping Classic in 1982, and it’s now one of the most prestigious open team roping competitions in the country.

Every year, the competition attracts the biggest names in the sport, and the 2013 event won’t be any different. Part of the event’s appeal is that it offers roping experts more than $700,000 in prizes. Last year’s winners Clay Tryan and Patrick Smith took home custom-painted Chevrolet Silverado Duallies, as well as horse trailers, saddles, rope bags and more than $200,000 in cash money.

Tickets for the 2013 GSTRC are $20. Online sales will open to the general public at 9 a.m. CDT, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 on George Strait’s official website, after which any remaining tickets can be ordered by phone beginning Wednesday, Oct.10 at 9 a.m. by calling (210) 698-0791.

Here's George performing his classic rodeo tune, 'Amarillo By Morning' at the Houston Astrodome:

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