Big Sky’s Pro Bull Riding event voted Event of the Year for the tenth year in a row, awarded to Outlaw Partners at PBR World Finals in Arlington, Texas
OUTLAW PARTNERS
Big Sky PBR is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.
As Outlaw Partners plans for its 13th summer producing the Big Sky PBR, Big Sky’s Biggest Week will be bigger than ever to celebrate their 10th time Event of the Year win. Event producers Outlaw Partners and Freestone Productions received the award at the PBR World Finals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 18.
Big Sky PBR takes place July 18-20 preceded by Big Sky’s Biggest Week with another exciting lineup of professional bull riding, the Big Sky Community Rodeo, Community Day, the Dick Allgood BINGO night, a 10x Community Street Dance celebration and more.
“We are going to make this the year to remember,” said Josh Timon, chief operating officer at Outlaw Partners. “It’s an honor for us to receive this award for the tenth year in a row. This is no small feat and we want to celebrate this incredible accomplishment with even more exciting offerings for the fans, riders and the Big Sky community.”
Less than 100 tickets and a few hospitality suites remain for Thursday and Friday night’s bull riding event, followed by the Music in the Mountains concert in Len Hill Park, featuring The Wood Brothers and opening band, Buffalo Burrows.
“We’re proud to have supported the PBR since its inception in Big Sky,” said Sam Byrne, Managing Partner at CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Lone Mountain Land Company. “Over the years, we have witnessed its growth and transformation, as it continues to be a keystone summer event in our community.”
On May 18, at the PBR World Finals in Arlington, Texas, Outlaw Partners was presented the 10x award, joined by longtime PBR entertainer Flint Rasmussen and stock contractor Cord McCoy, putting Big Sky on the map once again amongst die-hard fans of professional bull riding and world-class western sports.
“Big Sky PBR is my favorite event,” said PBR stock contractor and former “Amazing Race” contestant, Cord McCoy. “I have been around the globe 3 times on the Amazing Race, rode bulls in 5 different countries, and Big Sky PBR is the best of both worlds.”
The Big Sky PBR event was voted the Event of the Year by PBR bull riders for nine consecutive years from 2013 to 2022. PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason presented the event team with their tenth award in closing out the 2024 PBR World Finals.
“Drawing tens of thousands of attendees and creating significant economic impact to Southwest Montana, Big Sky PBR is one of our hallmark events each season,” Gleason said. “Our hard-working team and the world’s best bull riders, who love competing in Big Sky each year, put on a great show filled with top-tier action in a breathtaking setting.”
While fans and riders are what make PBR one of the most exciting sporting events to experience, the incredible setting, intimacy of the arena, and superiority of the bulls that compete in Big Sky are what has made the event the best in the world for ten years in a row.
“The consistent recognition of Big Sky as the top PBR event for a decade speaks volumes about the community’s ability to host remarkable world-class events, all while preserving our small-town charm and highlighting the area’s natural beauty,” Byrne said.
Jacey and Andy Watson, who own Freestone Productions, a bull riding production company that has worked with Outlaw on Big Sky’s PBR since its inception, said winning the 10x Event of the Year is a testament to the unparalleled passion and dedication of the Big Sky community and fans.
“Outshining hundreds of events nationwide, this accolade highlights the unique spirit and unwavering support that makes Big Sky such an extraordinary destination for the top PBR bull riders in the world. The bulls and the riders are what make PBR what it is, and they are ones tasked with voting for PBR’s Event of the Year,” Jacey said.
Along with receiving the 10x award, Big Sky PBR also raises funds annually for many local and national non-profits during several events throughout Big Sky’s Biggest Week. As the event has grown over the past 13 years, so have the funds raised for many organizations making a difference in Montana and beyond. This year, the organizations being supported include the Big Sky Community Organization, Montana State University Athletics and Rodeo team, Warriors and Quiet Waters, Big Sky Bravery and Western Sports Foundation amongst others.
“In the beginning of Big Sky’s PBR, we started out with a dirt patch, panels, bucking chutes and a few small bleachers that filled up with a pretty rowdy crowd. After that first year, we knew we had something special. To see how it has grown today into a week-long celebration is so fun to be a part of.” Jacey continued, “This victory is not just an honor but a reflection of the collective effort and love that brings this event to life each year.”
On July 12, the Big Sky Community Rodeo presented by Yellowstone Club will feature Montana State University rodeo athletes at the Big Sky Events Arena. Afterwards, Outlaw Partners and Lone Mountain Land Company are bringing back the Community Street Dance to Big Sky Town Center, with country/rock group, The Tony Marques Band. Tickets for the Community Rodeo go on sale June 4.
For more information on Big Sky’s Biggest week, sponsorships and to purchase tickets or hospitality suites, visit bigskypbr.com.
