Effective March 2, 2026
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the sanctioning body of the Lakeside Rodeo, directs, controls, and limits all photography, video recording, and media capture at the Lakeside Rodeo.
All broadcast, photographic, and digital media rights associated with the Lakeside Rodeo and PRCA-sanctioned competition are reserved and protected.
Arena Access & Professional Photography
Only PRCA-approved and credentialed photographers are permitted on the arena floor, in the bull chute area, or in other restricted areas of the rodeo grounds.
Credentialed photographers must:
- Hold a valid PRCA Photographer credential
- Be approved in advance by the Lakeside Rodeo Association
- Follow PRCA media guidelines and safety rules
- Provide images only for approved editorial, promotional, or association purposes
- Unauthorized professional photography or videography of PRCA competition is strictly prohibited.
Commercial Photography & Image Sales
No person or business may:
- Sell rodeo photographs
- Offer rodeo images for sale online
- License rodeo photos to media outlets
- Use rodeo images for advertising or commercial promotion
without written authorization from
the El Capitan Stadium Association, the
Lakeside Rodeo Chairmen, and the PRCA.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Online photo galleries
- Etsy, Shopify, or similar platforms
- Social media marketplaces
- Photography websites selling event images
Unauthorized commercial use of rodeo imagery may result in removal from the venue and legal enforcement of PRCA media rights.
Spectator Camera Restrictions
Photography by the general public is limited under PRCA event rules and is prohibited by the El Capitan Stadium Association.
The following equipment may not be brought into the rodeo grounds:
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Point-and-shoot cameras
- Video cameras
- iPads or tablets used for filming
- GoPro or action cameras
- Drones
- Selfie sticks
Patrons found in possession of prohibited equipment will be asked to remove the equipment from the rodeo grounds.
Mobile Phone Photography
Spectators may take personal photos or short videos using smartphones from their seats for
personal, non-commercial use only.
Phone photography may not be used for:
Commercial resale of images
Professional photography services
Livestreaming rodeo competition
Recording full rodeo events
Social Media Usage
Spectators may share casual smartphone photos or short video clips on personal social media accounts.
However, the following activities are not permitted without authorization:
- Monetized social media content
- Sponsored posts featuring rodeo competition footage
- Livestreaming rodeo events
- Posting extended rodeo performances in full
- Use of the Lakeside Rodeo name, logo, or trademark for commercial promotion is prohibited without written permission.
- YouTube & Monetized Video Platforms
- Uploading rodeo footage to monetized platforms is prohibited without authorization.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- YouTube channels generating ad revenue
- Monetized Facebook or Instagram video content
- TikTok creator revenue programs
- Subscription video platforms
The Lakeside Rodeo Association and PRCA actively monitor online platforms. Unauthorized monetized content may be subject to copyright claims, removal requests, or cease-and-desist legal action.
Drone Photography
The Lakeside Rodeo Arena lies within four nautical miles of Gillespie Field.
Operating unmanned aerial vehicles within a Class D surface area without authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a federal offense.
Drone operation over or near the Lakeside Rodeo grounds is strictly prohibited without FAA authorization and event approval.
ECSA / Lakeside Rodeo Lifestyle Photographers
Please note that non-media lifestyle photographer positions outside the arena are currently filled for 2026.The Lakeside Rodeo Association may authorize a limited number of pre-approved lifestyle photographers to capture promotional images for the Association for Lakeside Rodeo marketing purposes.
These photographers must:
- Receive prior approval
- Remain outside the arena rails
- Follow PRCA and event safety rules
- Provide images for official Lakeside Rodeo marketing and promotional use
- Are strictly prohibited from selling any image without the approval of The El Capitan Stadium Association approval
Enforcement
Violation of this photography and media policy may result in:
- Removal from the rodeo grounds
- Revocation of credentials
- Copyright enforcement actions
- Cease-and-desist orders regarding unauthorized content
Volunteer Photography Coordinator
Email: kathrynjcunningham@yahoo.com