By Tyler Allen Explore Big Sky Associate Editor
BIG SKY – With all the snow clinging to Montana’s hills, it may be hard to imagine the dust flying in Big Sky Town Center, but get ready: Tickets go on sale for the Big Sky PBR June 9.
The country’s meanest bulls will be bucking the world’s best riders on July 30 and 31.
Last year was decisive for Big Sky’s biggest summer affair. In just its third season on the circuit, it won the Touring Pro Division Event of the Year, as chosen by the bull riders at the Built Ford Tough Series World Finals in Las Vegas, Nev.
PBR Chairman and CEO Jim Haworth attended both nights last summer in Big Sky, and was impressed with this fledgling event.
“Thinking about this event in its third year, it’s been fantastic to look at the growth it’s had,” Haworth told Explore Big Sky behind the chute gates. “Everyone that’s been here has said, ‘You’ve got to come and watch this.’”
Australian bull rider Jared Farley treated fans to a stunning performance, taking home the 2013 Big Sky PBR trophy with two flawless nights of riding. Judges scored his first round an 89.5, and he was given another ride on the 50/50 Bounty Bull, winning a pocketful of cash for both himself and a lucky ticket holder.
On the second day, Farley scored the Big Sky PBR’s first official ride over 90 points, as Chad Berger’s Bucking Bulls of Mandan, N.D. had most of the bull riders in fits. Farley left Big Sky with a combined $13,632 for his efforts.
Demand is high to see which riders will master the bucking beasts this summer.
The Outlaw Partners – a presenting sponsor of the PBR and publisher of Explore Big Sky – began fielding ticket inquiries for the 2014 show the week after last year’s event, according to Outlaw Account Manager Maria Wyllie.
“We got monthly calls throughout the winter,” Wyllie said. “Recently we’ve been getting a few people a week calling and asking about tickets… People had so much fun last year, and they know tickets go fast. They’re trying to get on top of it so they don’t miss out.”
The organizers will again host two free nights of music after the riding, with Pink Floyd tribute band Pinky and the Floyd playing night one and Big Sky favorites Bottom of the Barrel the second night.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at explorebigsky.com/bigskypbr and at the Outlaw Partners office in Big Sky Town Center.
