Hedeman Commemorates Silver Anniversary Bull Riding in Cowtown
Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding Presented by South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
FORT WORTH, Texas (April 7, 2017) – Four time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman is making final preparations for the Silver Anniversary of the Fort Worth Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding presented by South Point Hotel Casino and Spa. Hedeman is celebrating twenty five years since he first produced the stand-alone bull riding in Fort Worth that is considered the foundation of the stand-alone bull riding industry. This event is legendary, and one of the ultimate invitations a bull rider will receive. The event changed the history of bull riding, establishing a multimillion dollar sport and spearheading the way for revolutionary changes.
“We have enjoyed an amazing partnership throughout the years with our Fort Worth friends and fans and this year will be no exception as the top three ranked riders are battling for the number one position bull by bull as well as the entire 24 man field who are all trying to qualify for the World Finals, it will be great competition and entertainment second to none,” said Hedeman who coordinates every detail of the Road to Cheyenne nationally televised tour.
This year’s Saturday night bull riding is once again being held as a one night only performance at the Cowtown Coliseum during the annual western heritage celebration in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the Twisted J Apparel stick bull riding for children 6 and under beginning at 7 pm. This year proceeds from the stick bull riding will benefit the Music Therapy program at Cook Childrens.
Hedeman returns to Forth Worth with his signature event and the current number one bull rider in the world. Sage Steele Kimzey from Strong City, Okla., the five time World Champion who recently crossed the two million dollar mark in career earnings when he won The American competition held at the AT &T Center in February. Kimzey has five gold buckles that say he is a World Champion, but the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth CBR Championship buckle is missing from his list of accomplishments.
“It’s coming down to the crucial part in the season. It is the time that everyone can either make or break their season. The top guys can establish themselves in the hunt for a world title and the guys on the bubble can clinch their spot to the world finals. With only a few events left there is no time to waste,” said Kimzey.
On his heels is the number two ranked bull rider of the CBR, Eli Vastbinder of Statesville, North Carolina. He is 277 points behind the champ which is three bulls and after riding all three of his draws in Salina two weeks ago, he showed no sign of slowing down.
“Game plan has not changed, I am looking for a CBR World title and every bull counts, I have to ride them all,” said Vastbinder after going three for three in Salina to finish second. “It’s eight seconds at a time and my job is to stay on each and every bull they give me.”
With Fort Worth and Del Rio being the only two regular season events left, both riders are feeling the pressure. The CBR World Finals includes five rounds of action in two days which gives both of these cowboys and the number three young gun, Boudreaux Campbell, plenty of time and more bulls to ride before the $100,000 bonus check is awarded in July to the 2017 CBR World Champion.
This year’s event includes two CBR World Champions, Kimzey (2014, 2016) and Cole Echols (2013). These champions will be challenged by six National Finals Rodeo qualifiers including Cody Rostockyj, a perennial top ten CBR cowboy who returns to action after missing the last two events due to a collapsed lung injury at a pro rodeo in February.
Indian National Champion bull rider Cody Jesus and IPRA’s reigning World Champion, Corey Bailey, the 2015 Fort Worth Champion will all be featured in Saturday night’s performance.
After retiring from rodeo and riding bulls in 1998, Hedeman has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events, including the CBR Road to Cheyenne televised tour for Championship Bull Riding.
The field of competition starts with 24 riders, top twelve advance and finally a four man finale Shoot Out round where the bull riders will battle for the lion’s share of $30,000 in prize money where they have a third opportunity to ride in a winner take all ending. The format appeals to new spectators and established fans alike because riders can challenge as many as three bulls in one performance.
But if you cheer for the bulls and like to see the power of the “other side of the ride,” Tuff’s event is for you because it will feature the CBR’s Bull Team Challenge competition. Bull owners from all around the country will bring three bulls that are featured during the first two rounds of competition. The super star bulls including World Champion and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bulls will compete for points based on their performance in the arena and the team owner with the three highest-scoring bulls will earn a check for $20,000.
CBR has become known for their action-packed performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats and every time Tuff Hedeman and the boys return to Fort Worth it is always a great show! From having world class bulls matched up with super star riders, to upbeat music and entertaining professional barrel man Justin Rumford, the fans will experience a first class athletic competition with a few show surprises here and there.
This year’s event is the fifteenth stop on Championship Bull Riding’s (CBR) Road to Cheyenne Tour which pits the industry’s elite riders against the best bulls in three round tournament style action. Pre event activities begin when the doors open at 6:30 with a Stick Bull riding contest featuring a trophy buckle to the champ and trophies to all contestants entered for this two round competition for kids 6 and under. The Famous Energy Bullfighters will also be signing autographs in the lobby at 7 pm with the CBR action getting underway at 8. Bull riding action gets underway at 8 p.m. Hedeman and the bull riders will remain in the arena immediately following the event to sign autographs from the arena floor. Tickets on Sale now ranging from $20 to $100. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets now as the show has sold-out in past years and is expected to do so this year.
Websites: cbrbull.com; Ticketing Link, Stick bull riding entries email – stickbullrider@aol.com.
Event Location: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hedeman is available for interviews. For interviews, press credentials and more information please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder 940.902.1112 or leighann@theshortround.com.
Courtesy of CBR