Reno Rodeo Adds Professional Bullfighters to Select Nights During the 97th Annual Event
Expect to See Spectacular Maneuvers from Bullfighters Only
RENO, Nev. (April 25, 2016) – The “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” is adding an exciting event select nights during the 97th Annual Reno Rodeo. Those who attend the Reno Rodeo Sunday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 22 can see professional freestyle bullfighters compete when Bullfighters Only enter the arena.
“These bullfighters are different from matador or torero bullfighters,” said George Coombs, general manager of the Reno Rodeo. “In rodeo, the bullfighter is essential to keep the bull riders safe from harm. Once a rider is thrown off, the bullfighter’s job is to rush in and distract the bull and keep its attention so the rider can get to safety. Bullfighters have always been a part of the Reno Rodeo, and now Bullfighters Only will bring a whole new exciting element to the rodeo performance with the professional freestyle competition.”
No bulls are harmed in a freestyle bullfight, where the bullfighter goes one-on-one against a bull for 70 seconds, employing spectacular maneuvers like jumping over a charging bull. The bullfighter is judged on his willingness to expose himself to risk and on his aggressiveness. His objective is to stay as close as he can to the bull throughout the fight. Like the riders, the bullfighters score higher when the bull is more aggressive.
Bullfight bulls are bred to be smaller, quicker and more agile than those used in bull riding. They can compete for years and, like their human counterparts, learn from their mistakes and improve with experience.
Three Bullfighters Only contenders will compete each night for three nights. The winners of each night will compete in the championship on Wednesday, June 22.
For more information on Bullfighters Only, visit www.bullfightersonly.com. Tickets are now on sale for the 97th Annual Reno Rodeo, June 16-25. For more information, visit www.renorodeo.com. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Lawlor Events Center box office. For ticket information only, call 775-784-4444. To order tickets by phone, call 800-325-7328.