The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) will be making their much anticipated return to Albuquerque for the TY Murray Invitational. This prestigious event will be taking place for the 22nd consecutive year, and will be hosted by Isleta Resort and Casino, starting from March 17, to March 19. It’s going to welcome a packed crowd of over 15,000 passionate rodeo fans.
In attendance will be the nine-time world champion TY Murray, who is the most dedicated and celebrated cowboy in the history of rodeo. Rightly hailed as the ‘King of Cowboys’, Ty Murray has personally hand-selected each gladiator-esque athlete to compete in this grueling event, which has been titled ‘The Beast Pit’. American Freestyle Bullfighters will be pitted against the rankest of beasts that combine raw power, athleticism and agility.
Fans will be treated to non-stop adrenaline-filled action, which will test the ability of seasoned bullfighters to stay just the right distance away from their aggressive opponents. These bulls are some of the most aggressive beasts from South Texas, and weigh in excess of 2000 pounds – it will truly be a spectacle to witness these colossal bulls locked in a head-to-horns battle with the relatively frail cowboys.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Center will once again be traveling from Phoenix to attend the event along with media partner Cowboy Lifestyle Network, who will be providing extensive coverage. Papa John’s road team will also be entering into the mix to add more variety to the foodstuffs available for hungry fans.
Here are the rules of the game: Four bullfighters will be participating in two elimination rounds. Whoever is able to get the most cheers from the crowd, wins. The qualifying bullfighters will battle it out on Sunday’s championship round for a $10,000 cash prize and a commemorative ‘espada’ (sword).
Some of the fan favorites competing in the show include reigning 2017 PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood, PBR World Champions Coopers Davis (2016), J.B Mauney (2015), Silvano Alves (2014), and Guilherme Marchi (2008) along with rookies Derek Kolbaba, Cody Teel and Cody Jesus.
Fans attending the event will also get to participate in a host of activities at Isleta Resort and Casino. These include entertainment activities inside a buzzing bar known for its memorable shows and tantalizing appetizers.
Prices for the tickets range from $15 to $103 and can be picked up at the DreamStyle Arena Box Office, PBR.com and unmtickets.com/dreamstyle.