Dallas Cowboys’ COO Stephen Jones, Mayor of Arlington Dr. Robert Cluck, and Rodeo Legends Join RFD-TV to Announce THE AMERICAN Rodeo to be Held at AT&T Stadium on March 2, 2014
Arlington, TX (www.rfdtv.com) – The world’s greatest cowboys and cowgirls will descend upon AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 2, 2014, to take place in the richest one-day rodeo in history. When the dust settles at this action-packed event, the toughest competitors in the world will ride away with the most significant one-day cash payout ever awarded.
RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Rodeo was officially announced by a noteworthy cast including Dallas Cowboys’ COO and Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, Randy Bernard, CEO and President of Rural Media Group, Jim Haworth, Chairman and CEO of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and some of the most decorated rodeo and bull riding legends in western sports history: Donnie Gay (8 World Championships), Cody Lambert (10 Time NFR Qualifier and PBR Co-Founder) Larry Mahan (8 World Championships), Justin McBride (2 PBR World Championships), Ty Murray (9 World Championships and PBR Co-Founder) and Fred Whitfield (8 World Championships).
“RFD-TV is very excited to showcase one of the greatest American sports and traditions right here in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium. Jerry Jones told me several years agothat he wanted a major rodeo, but if we ever were to do it, it had to be thebiggest and best. So, we’re bringing rodeo fans the largest, richest one-day rodeo ever,” said Randy Bernard, CEO and President of Rural Media Group, Inc. “In my opinion, this has a chance to change the landscape of rodeo forever and is way overdue. On March 2, we’ll see history made when RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN will showcase the best of the best.”
THE AMERICAN will be the largest and richest one-day rodeo in the history of the sport. Each one of these world-class athletes will compete for their share of the $2,000,000. The event is going to showcase the top 10 contestants in the world after the PBR World Finals and WNFR. In addition, any other athlete who wishes to competeagainst the world’s best will be eligible for part of the $2,000,000 payout. There will be five qualifying events for each rodeo event, culminating with the semi-finals in Mesquite, Texas on February 21-23. The top qualifiers will then move on to compete against the top 10 in the World at THE AMERICAN on March 2.
Out of the $2,000,000, each event will pay $100,000 for first and $25,000 for second. Then there will be a $1,000,000 side pot for the qualifiers. If a qualifier can win his or her event, the athlete is entitled to a share of the $1,000,000.
THE AMERICAN will have events sanctioned by the PBR, Pro Roughstock Series, United States Team Roping Championships, Better Barrel Racers and the Ultimate Calf Roping Series. THE AMERICAN will be broadcast live on RFD-TV and its networks, including RURAL TV and RURAL RADIO on SiriusXM channel 80.
“We are honored this event is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Since we opened the doors in 2009, this stadium has hosted hard-fought battles between some of the toughest athletes in the nation. It’s only fitting THE AMERICAN continue the legacy of entertainment and culture in, what we believe is, one of the nation’s premier sports venues,” said Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer.
Texas, which has long been home to some of the nation’s top rodeo events, is poised to gain economically from RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN and its positive impact on western lifestyle and rodeo sports.
“Everything is bigger in Texas, including the rodeo. Rodeo is one of the most important parts of Texas culture. While its imagery is intertwined with the romanticized concept of the American cowboy, it remains an integral part of the region’s economy, attracting fans of all ages,” said Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, M.D.. “It’s appropriate that something this monumental to the sport be held at the largest stadium in Texas – AT&T Stadium.”
THE AMERICAN, along with PBR Iron Cowboy V, sets the stage for an incredible weekend and will help draw more than 120,000 fans to North Texas for a showcase of rodeo sports and entertainment.
“The PBR is especially excited to be involved in THE AMERICAN,” said Jim Haworth, chairman and CEO of the PBR. “The rodeo will follow the PBR’s fifth annual Iron Cowboy on Saturday, March 1, giving fans the best western sports action that Arlington has ever seen in one weekend. Our PBR bull riders will have two opportunities to showcase their talent and will do so in the most famous cowboy arena – AT&T Stadium.”
“We are thrilled to host THE AMERICAN. Not only is this an amazing showcase of athletic talent, but an event of this magnitude will have a positive impact on the businesses in Arlington and the rest of the North Texas,” said Ronnie Price, President and CEO of Experience Arlington. “An event of this nature is an excellent way to market our great city and bring rodeofans and participants from across the country to Arlington.”
Tuf Cooper, a two time World Champion tie-down roper, added, “THE AMERICAN will make a huge impact on the sport of rodeo. The opportunity to compete at one event in one day and walk away with a possible six-figure check is huge. Add to the factthat this event is being held at AT&T Stadium in the great state of Texas, even better.”
Tickets for THE AMERICAN and PBR Iron Cowboy V will be on sale starting September 16. Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations and at the AT&T Stadium Box Office. More details will be available shortly on the RFD-TV web site (www.rfdtv.com).
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
About RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN: Taking place at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium on March 2, 2014, with an estimated attendance of 75,000, RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN is the single largest 1-day cash prize event in the entire history of rodeo. With $2-million on the line, the best athletes in the world will be gathering in Dallas to compete in one epic day of raw rodeo will, skill andpower. THE AMERICAN is inviting the top 10 athletes in each of the traditional rodeo sports as well as the top 10 from the PBR. The top 10 bull riding contestants will be invited after the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, and the remainder of the primary rodeo sports contenders, will be determined after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In addition to the 10 invites, THE AMERICAN will make 5 additional spots available for anyrodeo athlete in the world through five regional qualifiers. If one of thoseathletes goes on to win their respective event at THE AMERICAN they will split an additional bonus pool of $1-million dollars in prize money. With the help of broadcast partners and sponsors, RFD-TV will be broadcasting the event LIVE on the day, helping to bring the totality of this defining western sports experience to a wide national audience. For more information, please visit: www.AMERICANRODEO.com and www.RFDTV.com. Follow us on Twitter @RFDTVAMERICAN and on find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RFDTVTheAMERICAN
About Rural Media Group, Inc. (RMG): Rural Media Group, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and western lifestyle. RMG is the parent company of RFD-TV, FamilyNet, RURAL TV, RURAL RADIO on SiriusXM channel 80, RFD-TV the Magazine and RFD-TV the Theatre. RFD-TV, the flagship network for RMG, launched in December 2000. RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America with programming focused on agriculture, equine and the rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment. RMG acquired FamilyNet, America’s trusted entertainment network dedicated to providing wholesome and responsible viewing choices for today’s diverse family. RURAL TV produces rural business news covering commodity markets for both cash and futures. Daily productions include Market Day Report and the Rural Evening News. RMG networks are distributed into more than 63-million homes worldwide by DBS, telco and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV®, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, AT&T U-Verse, Mediacom, Charter, Optimum, Brighthouse, Suddenlink, Time Warner, Cox, and more than 600 independent rural cable systems. RFD-TV The Magazine is the print programming guide for the networks, which has attractedover 180,000 paid subscribers. RFD-TV The Theatre is a 2000 capacity soft seat venue in Branson, MO where entertainment programming is produced. Corporate headquarters are in Omaha, NE, and production operations are in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.rfdtv.com, www.myruraltv.com, and www.familynet.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @OfficialRFDTV @RURALTV @FamilyNet @RURALRADIO80
CONTACT: Sarah A. Chase: sarahc@rfdtv.com (Office) 646-861-3400 (Cell) 402-889-5152
Erin McCleskey: erin.mccleskey@rrpartners.com (Cell) 702-468-0137
