(CelebrityAccess News Service) — The Professional Bull Riders and Clear Channel Entertainment have broadened the scope of their longstanding relationship with a schedule of 14 additional dates as a part of the PBR's U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company Challenger Tour schedule. Beginning as early as October of 2003 and running through March of 2004, the Challenger Tour events expand what is already a substantial involvement by Clear Channel Entertainment in 14 of the PBR's 29 major league events, the Built Ford Tough Series, presented by Las Vegas. The combined budgets on Clear Channel's 28 total PBR events results in an over $7.5 million investment on the part of the company.
The Professional Bull Riders Challenger Tour combines the toughest bull riders with notorious bulls from the top stock contractors in the industry to create non-stop, gut wrenching, edge of your seat action. Jerry Nelson's Double J Bull Palace is the primary stock contractor for Clear Channel's events, as well as orchestrating the production. Worth an estimated $1.68 million in 2004, the Challenger Tour offers an opportunity for advancement for the young superstars of the PBR to earn a coveted position on the Built Ford Tough Series, televised on the Outdoor Life Network, as well as NBC and Telemundo.
"I am pleased to expand our long term involvement with the Professional Bull Riders Challenger Tour," said Dan Baus, senior marketing director of Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. "The PBR Challenger Tour affords Clear Channel an opportunity to introduce the best brand of Bull Riding to new markets beyond the PBR Built Ford Tough Series. I am optimistic that our partnership with the PBR will result in new fans of one of the fastest growing spectator sports in America."
According to chief executive officer of the PBR, Randy Bernard, Clear Channel and the PBR are committed to a future together. "The relationship forged in 1996 between Clear Channel and the PBR improves with each year. Clear Channel's increased involvement in the Challenger Tour demonstrates the growth of the Professional Bull Riders and Clear Channel's faith in the continuing expansion of our sport. Clear Channel is truly one of the best promoters in the world and we are extremely pleased to be in business with such a respected company."
Clear Channel's collaboration with the Challenger Tour will mark the PBR's debut appearance in Albany, NY; Wilkes Barre, PA; Macon, GA; Lafayette, LA; Hidalgo, TX; and Columbia, SC. Other stops slated for the Clear Channel tour include Tallahassee, FL; Fargo, ND; Beaumont, TX; North Charleston, SC; Pensacola, FL; Laredo, TX; and Las Cruces, NM. — By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
