Outlaw Partners voted Event of the Year for Big Sky PBR

Team accepts fifth-straight award at World Finals in Las Vegas

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY – The lights were bright and the flames were hot as team members from Outlaw Partners were called to the stage during night three of the PBR World Finals at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to accept “Event of the Year” for Big Sky PBR.

This was the fifth year in a row that the Montana-based marketing, media and events agency was honored with the award, chosen over more than 300 events nationwide. The votes are cast by the bull riding professionals, many of whom competed in Big Sky this past July.

“Because PBR riders vote for their favorite, Event of the Year is one of the most prestigious awards a promoter can receive,” said Dave Cordovano, general manager of the Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour, on which Big Sky is a stop. “Being acknowledged by the competitors themselves multiple years in a row is a true honor and speaks volumes to the hard work and commitment of the terrific team and community that produce and host PBR Big Sky.”

Event producers and organizers were honored by the recognition.

Jess Lockwood took third place at Big Sky PBR on July 29. PHOTO BY SYDNEY MACDONALD

“2017 was the year of PBR for Montana, from Jess Lockwood winning the world championship title to Big Sky being chosen as No. 1 event—big things for Big Sky Country,” said Outlaw Partners CEO Eric Ladd. “We have big plans for the 2018 event and want to continue to raise the bar for this great community event.”

Ersin Ozer, Outlaw Partners’ media and events director, said “it’s an honor for everyone involved in Big Sky PBR to win this award five years in a row. We are humbled and appreciative of every PBR cowboy that nods their head in the Big Sky chute gates.”

Candace Carr Strauss, CEO of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky expressed her gratitude for the event’s economic impact on the community. “It’s truly a testament to the unique experience that this place we call home, Big Sky, brings to a PBR tour event,” Strauss said, adding that the impact of the 15,000 spectators who attend the event is enjoyed by the lodges, restaurants, retailers and nonprofits of Big Sky.

Next year’s Big Sky PBR will take place July 25-28, with two nights of bull riding on July 27-28. The week’s festivities will kick off with a community barn dance on July 25. For traditional and contemporary art enthusiasts alike, the third annual Big Sky Art Auction will take place on July 26, with over $500,000 of curated art and proceeds going to local charities. Big Sky PBR fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for June 1, 2018—tickets for Big Sky PBR events will go on sale online at 9 a.m. at bigskypbr.com. Last year’s bull riding events sold out in less than 24 hours.

“Big Sky PBR is the best event of the year,” said Bill Simkins, Town Center’s primary developer, and the central location of the event. “The town is really rocking and rolling that whole week—and it keeps it expanding every year. We’re thrilled that we can make Town Center available for the PBR—it brings the whole Big Sky community together.”