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PBR Rides to New Heights at STAMPEDE DAYS in Nashville
The Bulls Returned to Broadway for the annual STAMPEDE DAYS - the PBR Teams Series which took place August 16-18, 2024 in and around the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Of course, the main event over the three-day homestand was the thrilling bull riding teams competing against each other but there were plenty of other activities to enjoy. In hindsight we can say that the time to debate whether or not the PBR's decision to create a Team Series was a good idea or not is over. Judging by the turnout to this year's STAMPEDE DAYS - it was a great idea - as back to back sell-out and near capacity crowds on Saturday and Sunday descended on Music City to watch the world's best bull riders in action in the midst of their thrilling third season of league competition.
Stampede Days returned to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. As noted last year - the PBR Teams idea really begin to gel with the infusion of corporate sponsor Camping World as The PBR Camping World Team Series emerged to take the world of bull riding by storm. Couple that momentous partnership with an expanded television package with CBS Sports - who now carries PBR events on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+ in an agreement inked through 2030 - and it becomes clear how the organization is now truly thriving. More proof that the concept of creating regional franchises out of an historically recognized individual sport is working comes directly from the league itself who added two new squads for this season - the New York Mavericks and the Oklahoma Wildcatters - both of whom were on hand as participants inside the Bridgestone.
Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker kicked things off on Sunday. Of course, fans come for the action and this year's edition had it all from a particularly rambunctious batch of bulls to numerous thrilling rides from inspirational riders. A few times on Sunday afternoon we observed red flags thrown into the ring as jumpy bulls in the pen were determined to be unrideable. We watched as - John Crimber selected by the Florida Freedom with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 PBR Teams New Rider Draft - came up just short in the town that called his name to make bull riding history just a few short months back earlier in the year.
The dirt was flying onto the lower level in Nashville. We were also transfixed as 40-year old Joao Ricardo Vieira delivered the Rattlers a come-from-behind, walk-off win - 174.75-87.5 - proving that some things remain a constant in an ever-changing game that is more often than not dominated by the fearless young guns. The home team Nashville Stampede also enjoyed dramatic walk-off victories on the weekend on their home turf.
Brinson James, Charly Reynolds, Andy Velo and the balloon guy in Nashville. This being Music City - having actual music represented is also an important component to a successful event in the state capitol and the PBR outdid themselves this year. On Sunday, country music legend Tanya Tucker delivered a sturdy portrayal of the "National Anthem" and this followed sets from up-and-comers Andy Velo who was inside the arena with an acoustic guitar. On the concourse Charly Reynolds was pretty convincing with a larger backing band in place.
The rambumctious bulls had the riders number for the most part throughout the weekend. Also on the concourse were many activities set-up to help make a day out at STAMPEDE DAYS a certified occasion of official family fun and included live music, a Nashville Stampede Team Meet-and-Greet, mechanical bull riding, a challenging obstacle course and an opportunity to meet a real pair of bulls. Food, games, line dancing, vendors plus a special appearance from NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Ben Rhodes were all part of the festivities. On Saturday, the genre-bending DJ duo VAVO - pioneers of the YEEDM genre - headlined the on-dirt entertainment inside Bridgestone Arena and Sunday fans had the option to attend Cowboy Church led by Reverend Roy McVeigh. Inside, fans were entertained by Brinson James the rodeo clown while a balloon craftsman was pumping out as many bulled-themed creations that time would allow to some of the PBR's youngest patrons.
With two thrilling last frame wins things only got a little sideways for Nashville in front of their home crowd. The PBR Camping World Team Series is an elite league featuring the world's top bull riders competing on teams in five-on-five games leading to a Team Championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. During the 2024 season, the league's third, each of the 10 teams - Austin Gamblers of Austin, TX; Arizona Ridge Riders of Glendale, AZ; Carolina Cowboys of Greensboro, NC; Florida Freedom of Sunrise, FL; Kansas City Outlaws of Kansas City, MO; Nashville Stampede of Nashville, TN; New York Mavericks of Brooklyn, NY; OK; Oklahoma Wildcatters of Oklahoma City, OK; Missouri Thunder of Springfield, MO; and Texas Rattlers of Fort Worth, TX - are all scheduled to host a homestand. Neutral-site games in Anaheim, CA and Duluth, GA are planned as well.
Stampede Days were a certifiable hit over three days in Music City. Related Links: For more information on the PBR and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - PBR Teams | Bridgestone Arena | At the PBR Camping World Team Series 2024 Draft in Nashville | PBR Teams and the Nashville Stampede Return for a Wild Weekend Campout in Music City
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