Seven-Time
World Champion Dan Mortensen Accepts First Exemption Invitation to Compete in
THE AMERICAN, the World’s Richest
One-Day
Rodeo
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
inductee comes out of retirement to compete
in bronc riding event for
a chance to win part of $2 million payout
Omaha – Seven-time
World Champion Dan Mortensen has announced he will come out of retirement to
compete in THE AMERICAN Rodeo on March 2, 2014. He will be competing in the
bronc riding event, where he will face the top 10 in the world after the
Wrangler’s National Finals Rodeo (WFNR).
Mortensen won one All-Around World title and six World
Championship titles in bronc riding, tying for most all-time wins with the
legendary cowboy, Casey Tibbs. In 2003, he became the first roughstock cowboy
in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) history to exceed $2 million
in career earnings. He retired from the sport in 2008 and was inducted into the
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009.
“I’ve been out of bronc riding and western sports for a while
now. I’ve missed matching my physical and mental skills against powerful and
impressive animals in the arena” Mortensen said. “THE AMERICAN allows
me to get back into the saddle to compete in the sport I love, while being part
of this historic event that gives us a shot at some of the biggest payouts
ever.”
On August 22 at AT&T Stadium, RFD-TV announced THE AMERICAN
would be taking place on March 2, 2014, at the home of the Dallas Cowboys,
AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. With a potential $2 million payout, it
would be the richest one-day rodeo in history. At the conclusion of the
PBR World Finals and the WNFR, the top 10 athletes in the world will be
eligible to compete in THE AMERICAN. Aside from this, a contestant can qualify
by finishing in the top five in each event at the semi-finals in Mesquite,
Texas. Mortensen has been selected by THE AMERICAN sanctioning bodies as one of
the limited exemptions, allowing him to compete in the event. Additional exemptions
will be announced periodically leading up to March 2, 2014.
“THE AMERICAN is all about elevating western sports by
bringing together the most dynamic talent in the world, and Dan Mortensen is a
proven seven-time winner,” said Randy Bernard, President and CEO of Rural
Media Group. “He was selected for his sheer talent, sportsmanship and
record in the arena and we are honored that he accepted the invitation to
compete in our event.”
THE AMERICAN is being closely coordinated with Professional Bull
Rider’s (PBR) Iron Cowboy V, which will take place the day before THE AMERICAN
on March 1, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Combined; the events
are expected to bring over 100,000 fans and participants to the Dallas-Fort
Worth Metroplex.
“Dan is right up there with the greatest bronc riders that
ever lived” said Ty Murray, nine-time PRCA World Champion and PBR
co-founder. “Having him compete is one of the elements that make THE
AMERICAN so exciting for the fans and why my eyes, are going to be glued to the
action.”
“Dan is the real deal. The team at THE AMERICAN made the
right decision in selecting him as their first exemption” said legendary
cowboy and eight-time World Champion Larry Mahan. “I’ve watched him
through the years and his ride will make for an exciting and wild show for the
fans at AT&T stadium.”
Tickets for THE AMERICAN went on sale on September 16. Ticket
prices range from $20 to $150, not including taxes. They can be purchased at the AT&T
Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.americanrodeo.com.