Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash presented by Waterloo Rural King
WATERLOO, Illinois - (September 4, 2018) – The most recognizable cowboy in the world, 4 time World Champion bull rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, brings the fourth and final stop of the Tuff Hedeman Break Out Series Midwest Swing to the Monroe County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 15 at 7:00 pm.
In addition to lucrative prize money, bull riders competing in Waterloo have qualified for the Midwest Swing Finals, and at the end of the night one rider will be crowned the Series Champion and receive a check, Custom trophy saddle, and the engraved HyO Silver trophy buckle. Immediately following the action is the Blue Bash After Party with live music by The Avery Hill Band and an opportunity to meet Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders.
“I am excited to be coming to Waterloo this year for the Bull Bash and look forward to a great show put on for the best element of every event – the fans, the people of Waterloo who love bull riding,” said Hedeman. Hedeman will be signing autographs on Saturday at 10 am at the Waterloo Rural King, 740 N Market St, Waterloo, IL., and after the bull riding.
Hedeman will be signing autographs at Rural King on Saturday, September 15 at 10 am and again after the bull riding on the arena floor.
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 field in the heart-pounding competition wrapped around two rounds of non-stop action. The Tuff Hedeman Breakout Bull Riding Series pits the industry’s elite young-gun riders against the best bulls in a two-round format featuring Josh Foster as the entertainment from the barrel, the cowboy lifesaver bullfighters Josh Jacobs and Caleb Oostenryk, and the voice of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, Chris Rankin, who will provide play by play and color commentary from the announcer’s stand with Matt Palmer.
The Blue Army Bull Bash is a deep-seated tradition of the Waterloo Optimist Club and in its 8th year of bringing first-class traditional western entertainment to the community.
“We are pleased to host the Midwest Swing Finals which will bring some of the industry’s best riders this year who have been competing for the past six weeks on the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series and Waterloo is the last event where the Series Champion will be crowned. It's a great opportunity to come out and meet the pioneer of the sport of bull riding, and the Optimist Club is thrilled to bring this top-notch sporting competition to the community and deliver a great show, said Blue Army Bull Bash Event Chairman, Jim Probst.
The 8th Annual Blue Army Bull Bash benefits the Optimist Club of Waterloo Illinois and their numerous Youth Programs for Waterloo, Monroe County, and surrounding youth. The annual family-friendly event boasts children 10 and under receive free admission with a ticketed adult. 10 years and over tickets are on sale for $15 now and will be $20 at the gate. The annual event is produced by Matt Noble of Next Level Bull Riding and sanctioned for the first time by the Tuff Hedeman Breakout Series Bull Riding. According to event chair Jim Probst, there is truly something for everyone at the Bull Bash.
“Great affordable food and various drinks for young and old and come early because you won’t want to miss the horseback rides and other activities for kids before the event.”
Fans will have more than one opportunity to meet Tuff Hedeman, he will be signing autographs at the Waterloo Rural King on Saturday, September 15 and again at the bull riding along the fence line immediately following the last ride.
This year’s event festivities will begin at 4:00 pm when the doors open. There will be plenty of concessions available including food and drink for young and old! The pro bull riding action gets underway at 7:00 pm and expected to conclude at 9 pm. Approximately 40 bull riders will face-off with 40 selected bucking bull opponents in an effort to win the lion’s share of the $10,000 added prize money, a trophy saddle and custom HyO Silver buckle. From great bulls matched up with superstar riders intertwined with upbeat music and arena entertainment from barrel man Josh Foster, the 8th Annual Waterloo Optimist Blue Army Bull Bash will be second to none.
*The Blue Army Bull Bash event schedule and rider roster will be released at a later date. Keep up with all the news about the Blue Army Bull Bash on Facebook and on the Waterloo Optimist Club social media and Tuff Hedeman on Facebook and @TuffHedemanOfficial on Instagram.
Ticket Information: http://www.waterlooILOptimist.org or call 618-477-7240. Tickets also available: Waterloo Rural King, Waterloo Schnucks, Wm Nobbe John Deere, JVs Bar & Grill, Outsiders Bar, First National Bank of Waterloo most Branches & Carstar Collision Center in Red Bud.
Event Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 4177 State Route 156, Waterloo, Illinois; gates will open at 4:00pm
Event Chair: Jim Probst – jprobst@wmnobbe.com or 618-477-7240 or Matt Noble, matt@nextlevelbullriding.com or call 815-651-6661.
Tuff Hedeman: Interview requests or information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com – 940.902.1112. Bull Rider inquires contact matt@nextlevelbullriding.com.