THE 16th annual PBR Troy Dunn Invitational bull ride is primed to rock Townsville with the best local and international bull riders set to go up against some of the most fearsome bulls in the nation in a quest to obtain the prestigious buckle.
The Invitational has sold out for the last five years straight and with 50 per cent of tickets already sold for November 14, 2015 event it’s highly likely that number will reach six.
PBR general manager Glen Young said it shows how rapidly the sport is growing in popularity.
“We’ve also had sell-outs in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney so far this year,” Young said.
He said to promote the event and the city the PBR is trying something new this year with a digital campaign taking place yesterday which featured PBR riders Beau Willis, Bowen, Roy Dunn, Proseprine, and Cody Heffernan from Singleton, NSW visiting several of Townsville’s most high profile attractions including Castle Hill, Billabong Sanctuary and 1300SMILES Stadium.
Young said the boys had a great time visiting some of Townsville’s most iconic spots while decked out in their full riding gear.
“They’ve definitely raised some eyebrows among locals,” Young said.
He said with footage of Townsville’s most scenic locations edited with music and bull riding action, this new campaign is bound to have similar success.
“This is a major opportunity to showcase Townsville not just across Australia, but internationally.”
The promotion will include a global digital campaign leading up to the November 14 event and an international television special showcasing the event and the region, to air in 2016.
“We are no longer just focussing on selling our events; we’re also selling the places our bull rides are being held at.”
Young said there’s two events that riders really want to win – the PBR Grand Final in Sydney, and the Troy Dunn Invitational.
“It is Australia’s oldest PBR event and pays homage to one of the greatest riders the world has ever seen.”
Roy Dunn remembers watching on with awe as a 10-year-old as his uncle Troy rode in the first event held in Townsville, and when Troy won the world title, young Roy knew what he wanted to make a profession out of.
“No matter what comes after, it will be like a dream come true if I can win in Townsville,” Dunn said.
“Troy will be selecting the bulls during the eight rides prior to the Invitational so I’m sure the riders that qualify are going to have their hands full making the eight,” he said.
Young said The Townsville event will be returning to a two day format from 2016.
“On Friday night we’ll have a unique event that we’re hoping will be just as much of a drawcard as the Invitational the following night.
“And from next year Magnetic Island will get an event of its own, which will be the first Australian PBR ride held on an island.”
An announcement regarding which international riders will be competing in Townsville will be made in the coming months.
The video from the tour will be available for viewing on Farmonline in coming weeks.
