It’s that time of year so get ready bull riding fans as the “Hottest 8 Seconds of 2020” will be returning to Mercedes again. You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat as the NPBR will bring some of the nations top bull riders for a two-day event to be held at the Payne Auto Group Arena in the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Complex in Mercedes, on January 25 and 26.
Thirty-five of the top cowboys will compete for an average of $14,000 in money and prizes. This includes a chance to win one of three $550 Champion Monsoon Silver Trophy Buckles to be given away at this event. This is your chance to be up close and personal with the bulls and the bull riders. You will experience the thrills and spills of each one.
The race is tight for the top spot this year and less than one hundred dollars separates the top three in the standings. Leading the pack from Fort Worth, is one of our young guns, Kyle McDaniel. He was a CPRA Rookie of the Year in 2018 and has consistently won money in the NPBR. As one of our young bull riders, Kyle has left his mark across the state and is on his way to making a name for himself not only in the NPBR but also at many other professional bull ridings.
Following close behind is 35-year-old Yorny Burgos Acosta from San Antonio. Yorny is one to keep your eye on as he is a veteran with grit and determination, and you won’t find him hitting the ground very often.
And last, but certainly not least, is Jaron Sheehan. Jaron is another one of the young bull riders we are seeing. From Magnolia, Jaron is traveling the rodeo and bull riding circuits and we will be seeing him for many years to come.
The NPBR not only attracts bull riders from Texas and the surrounding states but also Mexico, Brazil and Australia. It will be fast, fun and furious and you won’t want to miss a minute.
Making the trip with us to South Texas is Pro-Rodeo Barrelman, “Shotgun” Rodney Gaston from Chappell Hill. Rodney has 12 years’ experience riding bulls himself and has been entertaining crowds for over 25 years. He has performed at some of the largest PRCA Rodeos in the nation. When Rodney is not “Clowning Around” he is racing Chuckwagons – the four-horse drawn wagon kind!
Behind the microphone is PRCA announcer, Terry Starnes. With Terry’s long-time experience as an announcer, you will walk away feeling like you have known him for years. We are certain you will enjoy both Rodney and Terry this year in Mercedes.
The NPBR is one of the premier bull riding tours in the country and has been entertaining crowds since established in 2000. There will be something for everyone including concessions, vendors, bucking machine, a calf scramble and pony rides for the kids. Mustang Lounge will be hosting the “Meet the Cowboy’s” after party on Saturday night, January 25, following the bull riding.
There will be live music each day with Chris Marshall performing country music on Saturday, January 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. and our performance on Sunday, January 26 will be the Valley’s all-time favorite, “Ruthi” and she will start things off at noon. And come take a picture with the African Watusi Bull, Oliver.
Pre-sale tickets are available at Boots and Jeans in Weslaco and Bull Riders in Harlingen. Adults are $14 pre-sale and $16 at the gate. Seniors (55+) are $12 presale and $14 at the gate. Kids (6-12 years) are $7 pre-sale and $8 at the gate and kids 5 and under are free.
Action starts Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 26, at 2 p.m. Gates open two hours before the event each day.
Cowboy up and we will see you there!
