Some of the best cowboys from around the country will be in Rome this weekend.
And that’s no bull.
The Three Rivers Invitational Bull Riding event will be at The Forum on Friday and Saturday night. The invitational is at 8 o’clock both nights. Tickets are $14.02 for adults and $9.35 for children. VIP tickets are $18.69.
Kevin Ellis, an organizer, said it should be a good show.
“This is the third year we’ve hosted this here,” Ellis said. “These riders have all been individually invited, and they are members of all different cowboy associations from around the country.
“There are several thousand dollars up for grabs in prize money. It’s very lucrative for the winners. Everybody likes to come to Rome for this, and they’re here to compete and win some prize money.”
Click here for a video from last year's event.
While there will be a lot on the line for the competitors, it’s also a chance for them to visit and swap stories.
“The thing about this event is all these guys have probably seen each other ride at one point or another,” Ellis said. “We try to make this a fun event for the cowboys. They get to put on a good show and stay for the whole weekend.”
“This invitational is gaining a reputation as one of the best rides for guys to come to,” Ellis said.
There should also be some local flavor to the invitational. In addition to some riders with local ties such as Jon Mastrangelo — a former Berry College soccer player — the bulls for the event are being provided by the 4L Rodeo Company out of Summerville.
Additionally, Ellis said, rodeo clown Keith Isley will entertain.
In addition to helping keep the competitors safe, rodeo clowns are known to put on a good show as well.
Ellis said Isley is a three-time rodeo clown of the year as voted on by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The Forum gates will open at 6 p.m. both nights. Tickets may be purchased at The Forum box office, and tickets also are available at West Express on North Broad Street and at the Schroeder’s Deli location on Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee.
Click here for a story about last year's event.
IF YOU GO
What: Three Rivers Invitational Bull Riding
Where: The Forum
When: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. each night
How much: Tickets range from $14.02 to $18.69 for adults and $9.35 for children
