Some of the best bull riders in the world will be hanging on for dear life June 1 and 2 as they’re bounced and bucked all around The Forum.
And one highly ranked Summerville native will be competing against them.
Two nights of high-adrenalin bull riding kicks off June 1 when Professional Bull Riders Inc. brings one of its popular competitions to The Forum.
Sean Willingham, a Summerville native ranked No. 3 in the world on the PBR circuit, is competing in the event that will bring many of his top-ranked peers to Rome.
PBR is an international bull riding organization based in Colorado with nationally televised events. More than 800 cowboys from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Mexico are members.
Since its inception in 1992, the organization has grown to include four tours which collectively stage more than 100 events a year.
“For this event, we’re going to have two nights of riding, with 35 guys riding each night,” said Willingham. “This is the toughest sport on dirt, and people will get to see the guys who are the best at it.”
Willingham says riders are competing for coveted points as well as prize money.
Known for its flashy events which include pyrotechnics and music, PBR has become a popular spectator sport. At the event in Rome, the riders will all compete by riding one bull. Based on points accumulated, they’ll be whittled down to the top 10 who will compete to see who has the highest amount of points averaged on two bulls.
But although the event, called the Sean Willingham Invitational, is flashy and entertaining, Willingham was quick to emphasize how dangerous it is.
“This is for real,” said the Chattooga High graduate. “Guys break bones and fracture ribs and get busted up pretty bad. There’s even the chance that someone could get killed. So we take this very seriously.”
As part of PBR’s Enterprise Tour, Willingham said the event is attracting at least three of the top five bull riders on the tour.
The event takes place June 1 and 2 at The Forum, located at 2 Government Plaza. Doors open at 6 p.m. The competition begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
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