Iron Cowboy - Part 3

What needs to change and how I would do it



Besides the obvious things from my Part 1 post (start time, concert, etc.), there two aspects that I would like to discuss in more detail. One is the reride situation, and the other is the format of the event itself.


First, re-rides and replays have to be part of the competition. There is a reason for both during the regular events and there is a reason for it in this format, as well. Have a pen of the best ABBI bulls as the re-rides. Start promoting the younger bulls on a big stage.

Second, the format needs to be tweaked. Twenty four riders was too many, in my opinion. There was a lot of discusssion about the fact that all forty should have been invited, but I disagree. I think that this event needs to be version of other sports all-star games, the best of the best.

Let's move this event to the start of the second half (after the summer break) and narrow it down to the Top 15 from the first half of the season. The 16th spot will be filled after the top 4 Touring Pro riders go head to head at the beginning of the night. This does two things. Introduce the top young riders to a huge crowd and give them a chance to build an immediate following. Two, it fills time, since there will be fewer out with only the top 16 in the tournament.

Once we have the 16th rider, everyone rides, and similar to the NBA dunk contest, the best 8 scores advance (ties are broken by rider score). This will eliminate the aggravation of Kody Lostroh riding for 88 and going home, while others fall off their bulls and move on (at least for the first round).

Now we are down to eight. Here is where I am torn. Do you start the head to head format at this point, or go one more round with the top 4 scores advancing? Personally, I would rather see the top 4 advance before the head to head is introduced.


Once the final four is in place, there is an intermission (which is where the concert would come in), so that the guys can take an hour break or so, then they ride head to head for the Iron Cowboy buckle.


I am sure that not everyone will agree with this format either, but I think that it addresses some of the issues with the event.


Since it is pretty clear at this point that the "Iron Cowboy" isn't going away, I hope that the PBR can make some adjustments, so that it becomes a great event.


God Bless Cowboys.