The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo has created a major rodeo event that is expected to have a $20 million economic impact on the region.

The Rodeo All-Star Weekend slated for April 4-6 is expected to draw about 30,000 people from around the globe — the same number that attended the Women’s Final Four last month, said Kelly Brough, president and chief executive of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“This helps build jobs for Coloradans,” Brough said.

The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo created the event specifically for Denver because, unlike other sports, there has not been a rodeo all-star event. And unlike other all-star events, the rodeo will not travel to other cities, said Paul Andrews, president and chief executive of the National Western Stock Show.

The event is expected to continue annually in the metro Denver region.

“We own the rights to the (trade)marks and the web site,” Andrews said.

The rodeo, to be held at the National Western Stock Show Complex north of downtown, will draw top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls to compete in seven events over the weekend. The events include bareback riding, saddle bronc, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull racing.

Contestants will be chosen by top rode committees throughout North America and by fans’ online votes at www.rodeoallstar.com. The top 128 contestants will compete for the $140,000 grand prize.

Tickets are on sale at the web site.

Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com