World champions on both sides of the rope bucking for the kids this weekend at Lazy E Arena
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Maverick Potter on Ridin' Solo NFR 2022. Photo by Phil Doyle. -
Cord McCoy and Family -
Josh Frost wins 2023 Bullnanza at the Lazy E.
World champion bulls will face off with world champion riders this weekend as the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) extreme bull-riding event returns to Guthrie for two nights of high-adrenaline action.
Riders will be competing for glory and $53,000 in the event that will benefit a good cause.
Cord McCoy is producing "Bullnanza" for the second year in a row at the Lazy E, and couldn’t be happier to be bringing the event back.
"This is a very special event, and this is my favorite stop,” he said, speaking of the Lazy E and the importance of the special cause this year.
This year, Bullnanza will benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals and feature a special guest appearance joining the festivities. Forrie J. Smith of the hit show, "Yellowstone," will ride out the flag in opening ceremonies Friday night.
Smith will be available before the show for a meet-and-greet opportunity for those purchasing his Oak & Eden bourbon products. He, too, will be supporting Shriners Children’s Hospitals, an organization that holds a special connection to Smith, who received their help in the past. Forrie will have a special presentation for the organization during the event.
Friday evening, country music’s Josh Abbott Band, with guest Brian Callihan, will top off the evening.
On Saturday, another special guest, Oklahoma Gov. J. Kevin Stitt will ride out with the flag for opening ceremonies, and music artists Ernest and guest Justin Biltonen will close out the night.
As a PRCA Level 1 sanctioned event, riders’ winnings at this event will count toward the Las Vegas finals in December. Along with doubling down on the added purse to $30,000, a $5,000 bounty, entry fees, and world-class bulls, this event has attracted many talented cowboys.
Australian native Ky Hamilton, the 2023 World Standings champion, tops an impressive cowboy lineup. Last year’s Bullnanza champion, Josh Frost, No. 2 in the 2023 World Standings, returns to defend his title, and Cody Treat, fresh off his victory in Fort Worth on Saturday, joins the draw list.
The cowboy lineup is stacked with NFR stars and gold buckles with 80 competitors, 40 riding each night.
They will have to be prepared to face the 2022-2023 PBR World Champion Bull, Ridin’ Solo, and other famous bulls, including The CEO and Tulsa Time.
McCoy said one great thing about the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie is it is specifically designed for this type of event. Unlike other venues, great in their own rights, it is ready to go for rodeo, allowing bulls to move in early. The bulls moved in on Sunday, so they will be rested and comfortable, ready to give their best performances.
The event began in the late ‘80’s but was gone for a little over a decade before McCoy took over and kept it home here in Oklahoma. McCoy, born and bred in the state, is thrilled “to be the next generation to bring Bullnanza back and support kids.”
The event runs Friday and Saturday, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 6. The concerts will follow at approximately 8 p.m. each night.
Tickets can be purchased online at Lazye.com.