FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9
CONTACT: RFD-TV Public Relations PR@RFDTV.com or 702-318-4220
RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Announces Three Western Lifestyle Brands as Sponsors of the World’s Richest One-Day Rodeo
OMAHA, Neb. – Cinch, Ariat and Resistol have joined on as sponsors of the world’s richest one-day rodeo, RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN presented by Polaris RANGER. THE AMERICAN Rodeo will be held on March 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It is the richest rodeo in the history of western sports with a $2 million payout. The top-five winners from the semifinals will compete against the top 10 athletes from the PBR World Final standings and Top 10 in the World standings.
“Today is a great day for THE AMERICAN as we announce our newest partners,” stated Randy Bernard, president and CEO of Rural Media Group, “It was very important for us to announce this on the eve of Western & English Sales Association (WESA) apparel market to develop awareness to the western apparel industry at the largest western market in the world. I would like to thank Cinch, Resistol and Ariat for their commitment and willingness to help better the sport. It’s very important for me to express that we could not create a monumental event, such as THE AMERICAN if these partners did not commit in a big way. Thanks to them we will see Cowboys and Cowgirls competing for $2, 000, 0000 at Cowboys AT&T Stadium.”
THE AMERICAN is excited to announce the first ever Cinch Cam that will provide unique and exciting angles of all the action in the arena. Rodeo fans in the stands and at home will be able to experience the sport in a whole new way thanks to the Cinch Cam and the Jumbotron in Cowboys AT&T Stadium.
Cinch is owned, along with several other western apparel brands, by Miller International, Inc. and based out of Denver, Colorado. “We’re excited and proud to be a sponsor of this innovative new event,” David Dean, President of Miller International commented, “We hope and anticipate that it will be a great show for fans and an impactful new opportunity for the contestants.”
Cinch began creating jeans and shirts for western men, who were in or out of the arena in 1996. The apparel line is worn by some of the best rodeo athletes and is known for its comfortable fit and authentic western look. The companies merchandise includes, but is not limited to, shirts, denim, outerwear and boots.
“THE AMERICAN is such an innovative and unique rodeo, and Ariat is thrilled to be a part of this exciting opportunity,” said Susan Alcala, Vice President of Partnership Marketing at Ariat International. “As a partner, we are proud to present each one of THE AMERICAN contestants with a new pair of Ariat boots.”
Ariat began in 1993 with the mission to revolutionize equestrian riding footwear. Today, Ariat is America’s number one English and Western performance footwear brand. Ariat sponsors numerous PBR riders, some of which include Chris Shivers, Adriano Moraes and Cord McCoy, among many others; the Ariat brand has been spotted on country stars including Josh Turner, Blake Shelton and Lyle Lovett. Ariat has expanded their brand to include footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children in a number of categories including Western, English, fashion, work and outdoor.
Resistol will proudly be awarding a 100X Black Gold hat to every qualifier in THE AMERICAN. Their sister company, Cactus Saddlery will also be awarding “nine over-the-top custom Cactus”, championship saddles to the lucky winners of THE AMERICAN. Also, be on the lookout for them in THE AMERICAN Fan Zone for a chance to meet some of their top cowboys.
“This event offers a chance that many cowboys and cowgirls at a working, local, and circuit level would never get otherwise,” said Dru Stewart, Vice President of Marketing for Pro Equine Group. “This is our customer base; the broad stroke of competitors, not just full time rodeo cowboys. Supporting the industry, the competitors and the lifestyle is what we do.”
Resistol, meaning to resist-all weather, began in Dallas in 1927 when a young millionaire went into business with a hat maker to create fashionable and quality cowboy hats. Resistol is now the largest manufacturer of headwear in the world. The company guarantees quality and consistency by operating all phases of production and prides themselves on this mission. The company began making felt hats but has now expanded to include straw hats as well.
Tickets for RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, and the Iron Cowboy V are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com. Prices for each event range from $20 to $150, not including taxes.
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Notes to Editors:
About RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Presented by Polaris RANGER: Taking place at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium on March 2, 2014, with an estimated attendance of 75,000, RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Presented by Polaris RANGER 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 and power. 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 top ten in the world are named. In addition to the 10 invites, THE AMERICAN will make five additional spots available for any rodeo athlete in the world through five regional qualifiers. If one of those athletes 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 attracted over 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
About CINCH JEANS: CINCH JEANS & SHIRTS—LEAD, DON’T FOLLOW. Since 1996, the Cinch Clothing brand has been creating quality jeans and shirts for western men both in and out of the arena. Some of the best athletes from the rodeo, bull riding and equine performance circles love Cinch jeans and shirts because of the quality fit and the authentic western look. From collared shirts with short sleeves or long sleeves to outerwear and athletic gear to fashion-forward western jeans, the Cinch brand puts fit and styling first. Whether fashion basics or premium styles, the designs and reputation of Cinch Jeans make Cinch Clothing the number one choice for those who live and breathe the western way of life. Visit CINCH online at www.cinchjeans.com.
CONTACT: Alison Borris Alison.borris@ariat.com or 510-477-6980
About Ariat International: Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and accessories. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.
About Resistol and Cactus companies: Cactus companies (Cactus Saddlery, Ropes, and Gear) and Resistol Hats and Apparel are industry leaders in custom made leather goods, roping products, equine leg protection, and western hats and apparel. With manufacturing locations in Greenville, Pleasanton, and Garland, Texas, these companies support an international network of Dealers and Distributors. The Cactus companies and Resistol also produce Trevor Brazile’s Relentless line of hats, ropes, leg protection, and saddles and tack. For product information and Dealer locations log on to www.cactussaddlery.com, www.cactusropes.com, www.cactusgear.com, www.relentlessequine.com, and www.resistol.com.