(PBR media release)
BILLINGS – The longest running event for the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) comes back to Billings and Rimrock Auto Arena for the 23rd time in the history of sport on April 12-14, 2019.
The best bull riders on the planet and rankest bovine athletes will buck into the Treasure State, the most-visited regular season stop on the PBR’s elite series, vying for their piece of the $140,000 payout.
In 2018 Claudio Montanha Jr. went 3-for-3 to come out the winner after Championship Sunday at Rimrock Arena. The victory was Montanha’s second of the season. He rode Blue Stone in Round 2 before winning the championship round on Catfish John. After the win, Montanha found himself atop the world standings as the top-ranked bull rider in the world.
Along with Montanha others competing in Billings will be Montana natives 2017 world champion Jess Lockwood and Matt Triplett along with world champions, Kaique Pacheco (2018), J.B. Mauney (2013, 2015) and Silvano Alves (2014, 2012, 2011).
Winners in Billings have been: Claudio Montanha Jr. (2018), J.B. Mauney (2017, 2007), Jess Lockwood (2016), Nathan Schaper (2015), Cody Nance (2014), Joao Ricardo Vieira (2013), Austin Meier (2012), Travis Briscoe (2010), Michael Manes (2009), Zack Brown (2008), Brian Canter (2006), Justin McBride (2005), Brian Herman (2004), Wiley Peterson (2003), Lee Akin (2002), Chris Shivers (2001), Troy Dunn (2000, 1999), Rogerio Ferreira (1998), Cody Hart (1997), Tuff Hedeman (1996).
During Round 1 on Friday, Round 2 on Saturday and Round 3 on Sunday, the top bull riders of the PBR will face one bull each. Following Round 3 on Sunday afternoon, the event’s Top 15 riders with the highest cumulative scores after the first two days will advance to the Championship Round for one more ride and a chance at the event title.
Tickets for the Billings Invitational are on sale now and start at $21. They can be purchased at the MetraPark Arena Box Office, all MetraPark outlets, online at metrapark.com or by phone at 406-256-2400.
For an enhanced PBR experience, Montana fans can also purchase PBR Elite Seats, which provide a behind-the-scenes look into the toughest sport on dirt. The PBR Elite Seats are available for $304 and can also be purchased through all MetraPark outlets or online.
Billings will be the 15th stop on the 2019 PBR schedule. The season begins in New York City at the “World Famous” Madison Square Garden and will include trips to Chicago, Los Angeles and Kansas City to name a few before concluding with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas on Nov. 8-10, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
