The $2 Million American Will Be Richest One-Day Event in Western Sports History
The world’s greatest cowboys and cowgirls will descend upon AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 2, 2014, to take place in the richest one-day rodeo in history. When the dust settles at this action-packed event, the toughest competitors in the world will ride away with the most significant one-day cash payout ever awarded.
RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo was officially announced by a noteworthy cast including Dallas Cowboys’ COO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones, Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, CEO and President of Rural Media Group Randy Bernard, Chairman and CEO of Professional Bull Riders Jim Haworth and some of the most-decorated rodeo and bull riding legends in western sports history: Donnie Gay (eight world championships), Cody Lambert (10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and PBR co-founder) Larry Mahan (eight world championships), Justin McBride (two PBR world championships), Ty Murray (nine world championships and PBR co-founder) and Fred Whitfield (eight world championships).
“RFD-TV is very excited to showcase one of the greatest American sports and traditions right here in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T Stadium. Jerry Jones told me several years ago that he wanted a major rodeo, but if we ever were to do it, it had to be the biggest and best. So, we’re bringing rodeo fans the largest, richest one-day rodeo ever,” said Randy Bernard, CEO and president of Rural Media Group, Inc. “In my opinion, this has a chance to change the landscape of rodeo forever and is way overdue. On March 2, we’ll see history made when RFD-TV’s The American will showcase the best of the best.”
The American will be the largest and richest one-day rodeo in the history of the sport. Each one of these world-class athletes will compete for their share of the $2 million. The event is going to showcase the top-10 contestants in the world after the PBR World Finals and Wrangler National Finals Rode. In addition, any other athlete who wishes to compete against the world’s best will be eligible for part of the $2 million payout. There will be five qualifying events for each rodeo event, culminating with the semi-finals on February 21-23 in Mesquite, Texas. The top qualifiers will then move on to compete against the top 10 in the world on March 2 at The American.
Out of the $2 million, each event will pay $100,000 for first and $25,000 for second. Then there will be a $1 million side pot for the qualifiers. If a qualifier can win his or her event, the athlete is entitled to a share of the $1 million.
The American will have events sanctioned by the PBR, Pro Roughstock Series, United States Team Roping Championships, Better Barrel Racers and the Ultimate Calf Roping Series. The American will be broadcast live on RFD-TV and its networks, including Rural TV and Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 80
Tickets for The American and PBR Iron Cowboy V will be on sale starting September 16. Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations and at the AT&T Stadium Box Office. More details will be available shortly on the RFD-TV website.
