PBR Challenge keeping ticket prices low for its fans

When the Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge arrives at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Aug 21-22, coming with it is an entertainment value that is just hard to beat, and the producers are doing all they can to make it affordable for the people of East Texas.

“We understand how unstable economic times have hit, and we’ve set ticket pricing and seating structure that reflects that,” said Jim McLain Jr. of TwoBulls Group, who is producing the event with Emory ranchers Donny Gowin and Jay Weddle for the second year.

A tiered seating system is in place, with advanced reserve tickets costing $17 ($22 at the door) and general admission being $15 ($20 at the door).

Tickets go on sale at 4 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Texas Heritage National Bank, 215 N. Hillcrest, Sulphur Springs.

“Last year we had such a tremendous welcome to Hopkins County by the fans who want to see these great bulls, world-class bull riders and the athletic bullfighters that we had to adjust our seating format to help eliminate the long wait in line,” McLain said. “This year’s event will feature reserve seating that allows you to know exactly where you are sitting as soon as you purchase your ticket instead of everyone having to stand in long lines in the heat to get a good seat. It going to cost us more to do the tickets and seating this way, but to us the investment is worth it to make sure our fans get to enjoy world-class entertainment at an economical price.

“We’re very concerned about what’s happening with the economy, and we want to do our part in helping alleviate some of the stress that comes with it.”

The goal was to keep ticket prices affordable, so the event offset the $17 reserve ticket – which only increased $1 over last year’s general admission ticket – and decreased the general admission ticket to $15.

“The reserve section will be on the north and south sides of the arena closest to the action and will each have separate entrances to eliminate the long lines last year’s fans endured,” McLain said. “General admission and VIP seating will also have separate entrances to the building. Hopefully this will help our fans get in and seated and ready for a great show with as little waiting as possible.”

With this reserve seating structure, the seats will be sold starting with the closest to the chutes selling first and moving back section by section as they sell. So the fans who want to be closest to the action will want to get their tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Ticket Kickoff will take place from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Texas Heritage National Bank, 215 N. Hillcrest, Sulphur Springs.

“We’re very happy that Texas Heritage National Bank has jumped on board as our title sponsor,” McLain said. “Having them sell tickets just shows an even bigger commitment to this event.”

After the ticket kickoff, tickets will be on sale at the Circle E Western Store and the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, and both have been partners in the event since its inception. Tickets at Circle E will go on sale starting Saturday, July 25, while tickets at civic center box office will start on Monday, July 27th.

“We’re very excited to have a strong partnership with the Hopkins County Civic Center and the great folks there,” McLain said. “It’s just a great venue, and with us signing a five-year contract with the civic center, we know this will be our home for years to come.

“Circle E Western Store came on board with us early in the process, and it’s very important to us that they want to be part of this event. It’s a great place to get the Western feel for our event, get tickets, and get something to wear to the show.”

Advance tickets will remain on sale until 1 p.m. Aug. 20, unless they sell out before then.

“Folks who get their tickets ahead of time will get a $5 discount on each seat compared to getting their tickets the day of the show,” McLain said. “For a family of four, that’s a $20 savings, which is a big deal to a lot of people.

“And the way this community supported this event a year ago, I wouldn’t be surprised if this sells out before that weekend

“Last year, we had the best athletes, whether it was the cowboys, the bullfighters or the bulls,” Gowin said. “We expect to make it better every year. That’s our goal.”

And Gowin, Weddle, McLain and Co. are doing it by making sure fans get the most bang for their bucks.

For more information about the Texas Heritage National Bank PBR Challenge and to see photos of last year's show visit the PBR Challenge Web site.