Mexican Champion Bull Riders Invited to compete at Tuff Hedeman El Paso Bull Riding

Mexican Champion Bull Riders Invited to compete at Tuff Hedeman El Paso Bull Riding

Wild West Weekend features top-ranked International Champion Bull Riders

EL PASO, Texas – February 31, 2018 – Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, announced this week he has invited two highly decorated bull riding champions from Mexico to compete in the 2018 Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding presented by Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Hedeman known for cultivating talent in the bull riding arena announced today that invitations to compete at the Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour had been issued to Mexican bull riders Hector Lerma and Fransisco Garcia. For three decades Hedeman's legendary mentoring and leadership has bull riders following him onto the dirt as he provided the opportunity for them to win money while competing on great livestock.

Hector Lerma, a two time Mexico National Champion bull rider (2015, 2016) from Saltillo, Coahuila is the former PRCA Mexico Champion (2016), and Champion of Cuernos Chuecos Tour (2016).  Herma was recently a finalist at the PRCA Ram Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Florida in 2017 and is the 2017 Los Cruces Bucking for the Cure event champion.

 “It is exciting to have these two bull riders compete in El Paso in what will definitely be a hometown crowd advantage for them, they are both proven champions and should compete well at this level of pro event,” said Hedeman.

Francisco Garcia, a two time (2015, 2016) Campeon Nacional Champion, has been a professional bull rider for eleven years and won numerous titles including three-time Coahuila State Champion and Chihuahua Epic Battle Champion. In addition to riding successfully in Mexico, he has competed on the Professional Bull Riders Inc. tour and was a finalist in the PRCA's Ram Circuit Finals in 2016 and advanced to the semifinal round in the 2017 El Paso event.

The 6'2, 175-pound thirty-year-old bull rider from Leon, Mexico will join the number one bull rider in the world, Sage Kimzey, and the top twenty-four bull riders on the dirt inside the El Paso County Coliseum for the three-round tournament style bull riding set to begin at 8 pm on Saturday night. The annual bucking bull blowout that is the final event of Hedeman’s Wild West Weekend sells out each year at the El Paso Coliseum.

There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the 24-man field.  The field of competition which starts with 24 riders, then 12 and finally 4 in the Shoot Out where they will battle for the lion’s share of $30,000 in prize money. The night’s excitement will culminate as the final four bull riders will get a third opportunity to ride for the cash.

The annual Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Presented by Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino returns for the 13th consecutive year to the El Paso County Coliseum where Hedeman’s national bull riding tour is making preparations at the El Paso County Coliseum for what Hedeman is calling the “Wild West Weekend.”

The Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding is known for its action-packed performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats and every time Tuff Hedeman returns to his hometown of El Paso it is always a great show! From having world class bulls matched up with superstar riders, to upbeat music and enthusiastic fans and a few show surprises here and there, there is something for everyone.

Tickets on Sale now at the El Paso County Coliseum, Cavenders, or Ticketmaster.com. Prices start at $15 to $75 and VIP seating available! Fans are encouraged to get their tickets now as the show is expected to be a sell-out. Tickets are available at www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com and ticketmaster.com. Follow Tuff Hedeman on Facebook @TuffHedeman and Instagram @TuffHedemanOfficial. Schedule and appearances will be released at a later date.

2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Stops in Las Vegas at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center Saturday, March 3

2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Stops in Las Vegas at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center Saturday, March 3

LAS VEGAS – The pioneer behind the sport of professional bull riding, Tuff Hedeman, is returning to Las Vegas, and to the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, on Saturday, March 3 with his signature event, newly titled the “Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.” Top ranked bull riders and bulls will compete for one night only as four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, lines up the roster of World Champions and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo athletes to compete for the championship title.

“I have either been competing or producing bull riding events for Las Vegas and rodeo fans for over 25 years, and I look forward every year to providing the community with a top-rated bull riding competition and some great entertainment,” said Tuff Hedeman. “It is amazing to see Las Vegas being recognized as the sports destination that we have always known it to be, and it’s an honor to bring our event back in March alongside NASCAR, USA Sevens Rugby, Vegas Golden Knights and UFC. It will be an amazing sport filled weekend.”

The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Las Vegas event is the highlight of the industry that pits man verses bull in a two-hour long bull riding competition that promises to captivate and entertain fans. Throughout the event, 24 bull riders and 40 bulls will compete in a three-round tournament-style sudden death format that keeps fans on the edge of their seat as their favorite riders challenge up to three bulls in one performance. The event concludes in a final four man round where the competitor must ride to win the lion’s share of the prize money. Las Vegas will be the third stop on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in 2018. The competition in Las Vegas follows previous events held in Hobbs, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas where bull riders earned points towards a World Finals bonus and World title.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition will get underway at 7:30 p.m.  Follow Tuff Hedeman on Facebook and Instagram @TuffHedemanOfficial. Schedule, roster of competitors and appearances will be released at a later date.

Tickets can be purchased here: bit.ly/tufflasvegas

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Returns to El Paso for 13th Consecutive Year

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Returns to El Paso for 13th Consecutive Year

Wild West Weekend features top ranked World Champion Bull Riders and leading entertainment

EL PASO, Texas – February 2, 2018 – The pioneer of the sport of professional bull riding, Tuff Hedeman, is returning to El Paso on February 24 with his signature style two hour adrenaline rush action packed entertainment. The annual Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Presented by Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino returns for the 13th consecutive year to the El Paso County Coliseum where Hedeman’s national bull riding tour is making preparations at the El Paso County Coliseum for what Hedeman is calling the “Wild West Weekend.”

Hedeman announced today the Wild West Weekend includes concerts by Cody Johnson, a kickoff party at the Soggy Peso, an after party at Whiskey Dicks with the traditional Tailgate Down Party on event night.  Top ranked bull riders and bulls will compete for one night only as four time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman lines up an impressive roster of World Champions and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo athletes to compete for the coveted El Paso championship title.

Bull riding fans will have the rare opportunity to see these extraordinary cowboy athletes including Mexican bull riding champions around town and then competing in the Saturday night performance. These same athletes battle the bulls professionally setting records on all the pro tours. 

 “I have either been competing or producing bull ridings for the people of El Paso for over 25 years, it’s an honor to bring it back in February and be part of such an awesome weekend in the town I call home,” said Hedeman.

Hedeman pioneered producing bull riding events that have been thrilling the El Paso audiences with the two things he knows fans want to see - great bull rides and high scores. 

For three decades Hedeman’s legendary mentoring and leadership has bull riders following him onto the dirt as he provided opportunity for them to win money while competing on great livestock. Former El Paso Champions include the most decorated bull rider in the World, 4 time PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey who kicked off his career in El Paso, gathering valuable momentum  on the way to his first World title. Kimzey would return to win the El Paso title in 2017.

“El Paso is special to me, I have great memories from right here in this building. I won my first title here in 2014 and got my first 90 point score here at the rodeo in this building. The fans here are awesome and they love watching bull riding…you can’t beat the atmosphere, they are knowledgeable about the sport, from the introductions to the last rider they are as loud as you can ask for and it’s always fun to come here,” said Kimzey.

The annual bull riding event returns to El Paso with celebrated bulls matched up with super star riders on Saturday, February 24 where the Tailgate Down Party kicks off at 5 pm followed by the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the competition will get underway at 8 p.m. Keeping World Champions and fans on the edge of their seats is Hedeman’s specialty and implementing a three round tournament style event designed to enhance fan experience allows them to see their favorite rider challenge as many as three bulls in one night.

Protecting the bull riding athletes will be Hedeman’s Cowboy Protection Agency where cowboy lifesavers will take the hits as they distract the bucking beasts so the rider can escape safely. Funnyman Cody Sosebee returns to El Paso and is guaranteed to  keep you laughing as he roams the crowd dancing, joking, and giving away merchandise and prizes to unsuspecting ticket holders.

“I have enjoyed an amazing partnership throughout the years with our friends in El Paso and as most of you know its home for me and we look forward every year to coming back with a top rated bull riding competition and some great entertainment and you don’t have to know anything about the sport to enjoy the show,” said Hedeman.

The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding is the highlight event that pits man verses bull in a two-hour long bull riding competition that promises to captivated and entertain fans. Throughout the event, 24 bull riders and 40 bulls will compete in a three-round tournament-style sudden death format. The event concludes in a final four man round where you must ride to win the lion’s share of the prize money. El Paso will be the second stop on the 2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.  Tickets are available at www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com. Follow Tuff Hedeman on Facebook and Instagram @OfficialTuffHedeman. Schedule and appearances will be released at a later date.

There are no guarantees in bull riding; the only way for cowboys to earn a paycheck is to ride better than the rest of the 24-man field.  The field of competition which starts with 24 riders, then 12 and finally 4 in the Shoot Out where they will battle for the lion’s share of $30,000 in prize money. The night’s excitement will culminate as the final four bull riders will get a third opportunity to ride for cash.

The Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding is known for its action-packed performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats and every time Tuff Hedeman returns to his hometown of El Paso it is always a great show! From having world class bulls matched up with super star riders, to upbeat music and enthusiastic fans and a few show surprises here and there, there is something for everyone.

Tickets on Sale now at the El Paso County Coliseum, Cavenders, or Ticketmaster.com. Prices start at $15 to $75 and VIP seating available! Fans are encouraged to get their tickets now as the show is expected to be a sell-out.

WEBSITES:  www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com, www.ticketmaster.com

Event Locations: El Paso County Coliseum 4100 E Paisano, El Paso, TX 79905

Soggy Peso Beer Garden, 11355 Pellicano, El Paso, Texas 79936

Whiskey Dicks, 1580 George Dieter Dr # 204, El Paso, TX 79936

Bull Riding Icon Launches Tour and Website

Bull Riding Icon Launches Tour and Website

FORT WORTH, Texas - January 30, 2018 - Four time World Champion bull rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman announced today the formation of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour which includes Hedeman’s annual tour stops within the next 90 days in El Paso, Las Vegas, Bossier City, and Fort Worth. Tickets are on sale now and information available on www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.

Hedeman recently made the decision to go out on his own after serving for a combined 23 years as the former head of the two nationally organized professional bull riding organizations (PBR and CBR) since his retirement as a rider from the sport in 1999.

“At this point in my life, it’s best for my family to be solely responsible for my destiny. My original goals have not changed since 1992. I’m still committed to producing bull riding events that give each bull rider entered the chance to win first and make sure the fans at every event are getting more than expected,” said Hedeman.

In today’s announcement Michael Gaughan, businessman and owner of the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, called Hedeman a “pioneer of the sport” and is pleased Hedeman will be at the South Point to produce the Las Vegas Bull Riding at the South Point Arena on March 3.

The bull riding leader has been producing bull riding events that have been thrilling audiences with his two hour adrenaline rush entertainment style punctuated with the two things he knows fans want to see great bull rides and high scores. 

For three decades Tuff Hedeman has been a part of providing opportunities for bull riders and the result is evident. Many of the bull riders who have earned the title of World Champion have benefited from his devotion to bull riders…on and off the chutes.

Hedeman was one of the original founders of the PBR and served as the first President of the PBR from 1992 to 2004 and he was President of the CBR from 2005 to 2011. Hedeman is a four-time world champion with three PRCA titles (1986, 1989 and 1991) and the 1995 PBR world champion. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1997 and awarded the PBR Ring of Honor in 1999.  Hedeman retired from bull riding competition in 1998 after a neck injury.

Hedeman began his career in professional bull riding in 1981 and retired in 1999 and is recognized within the industry as a staunch supporter of the sport and the professional bull rider as a professional athlete. Over the past 28 years he has proven to be a tireless and versatile event producer with an incredible ability to connect with people and fans from all walks of life.

For more information, press credentials and interviews contact Leigh Ann Schroeder – 940-902-1112 or TuffHedemanPR@gmail.com. Follow Tuff and the tour on tuffhedemanbullriding.com. Facebook/TuffHedeman and @TuffHedemanofficial.

About Tuff Hedeman

Richard Neale "Tuff" Hedeman (born March 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas) is an American retired three-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bull Riding Champion as well as the 1995 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion Bull Rider, and a ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Bull Riding Hall of Fame inductee. Previously, Hedeman was the president of the PBR. He is one of the co-founders of the PBR. In 1999, the PBR honored him with the PBR Legends and Heroes Celebration: Ring of Honor. Followed by an affiliation with Championship Bull Riding (CBR) for 12 years. He is known for having been one of rodeo icon Lane Frost's closest friends as depicted in the film 8 Seconds and historic clashes with the infamous bucking bull Bodacious. He has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker and currently makes his home near Morgan Mill, Texas. 

Awards

1986, 89, 91 PRCA World Bull Riding Champion

1987, '89 NFR Average Champion

1993 First $1,000,000 Bull Rider

1995 PBR Touring Pro Division Champion

1995 PBR World Champion Bull Rider

Honors

1988 Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame

1997 ProRodeo Hall of Fame

1997 El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame

1999 PBR Heroes & Legends Celebration: Ring of Honor

2002 Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

2003 Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame

2010 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame

2016 Bull Riding Hall of Fame

2017 Molalla Walk of Fame