Stage is set for a wild ride
PBR ready to wow Beaudesert
THE Professional Bull Riders Australia crew has rolled into Beaudesert Showgrounds and the arena build is well under way for this Saturday’s Monster Energy PBR Invitational.
It is a huge task. The customised arena and 2500-seat-capacity grandstands take four days to build, in addition to the big screen, sound production and final infrastructure set-up before gates open on Saturday.
“It is amazing how it all comes together,” PBR operations manager Michael Simpson said.
“All the effort the crew puts in is really worth it when you see the reaction from fans – they haven’t seen anything like it.”
Beaudesert is in store for something special. It is the first time in southeast Queensland the PBR has set up the purpose-built stadium, which debuted in Victoria earlier this year. Every seat is no further than 14m from the arena, so everyone is up close to the action and the atmosphere is electric.
The draws for this weekend have been completed. The line-up is impressive and includes the top riders in the current Australian standings.
The cowboys are matched up against a pen of bulls from eight stock contractors from across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
There will be a number of rides to really watch out for on Saturday night before the championship round qualifiers are decided.
New Zealand’s Fraser Babbington flew back from the US this week and has drawn a good bull owned by Stuart Timm, Russian Roulette.
Current number one cowboy Aaron Kleier has drawn Kasper’s SweetPro’s Deceptacon.
The last time Kleier drew this bull was 12 months ago and the bull came up trumps. There is no doubt he will be looking to even the score and keep his number one ranking in place.
Title contenders Cody Heffernan, on Hall Rodeo Company’s Diamonds, and Mackay’s Ryan Storey (who has won the past two PBR events), on BK Bucking Bulls’ aptly named Ryan’s Gangster, will no doubt get the crowd cheering.
Gates will open at 5pm, full bar and catering on site.
Everyone is encouraged to come along early and meet the top riders at the autograph signing session before the event starts. The cowboys along with PBR mascot Reride will be more than happy to have photos taken with fans of all ages.
The bull riding action kicks off at 7pm and will be followed by the popular Dee Jaye Bux, who will keep the music pumping.
Reserved seating tickets are now on sale for the Beaudesert Invitational and are available at www.pbr australia.com.au. Get in early to avoid missing out.