SADDLE UP SOUTH TEXAS: RODEO THROUGH THE WEEKEND

SADDLE UP SOUTH TEXAS: RODEO THROUGH THE WEEKEND

By:Rob Boscamp

Saddle up, South Texas.

Some of the world’s top rodeo performers are in the Coastal Bend as the Buc Days Miller Lite Pro PRCA Rodeo rides through today and Saturday at the American Bank Center.

This year’s event celebrates 20 years of rodeo in Corpus Christi.

“We got some wow factors,” said Barry Box, president of the Buccaneer Commission that hosts the rodeo and Buc Days events.

More than 490 competitors will compete in events including bull riding, team roping and barrel racing for $175,000 in cash prizes. Competitors also can earn points toward qualifying for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world finals in December in Las Vegas.

About 100 participants are ranked in the top 20 of the PRCA world standings in their respective events, event sponsorship and promotions manager Tricia Perrone said.

Boyd Polhamus, who announces at the PRCA world finals, and Don Gay, an eight-time PRCA world champion bull rider, will announce the action.

“It’s a world-class event because the best competitors and best stock come to Corpus Christi,” Box said.

More than 19,000 attendees are expected to fill the American Bank Center arena during the four-day event.

First-time rodeo goers usually have one response after the event, said

Box, who has been involved with Buc Days for nine years.

“They consistently walk out saying, ‘Wow’ …” he said.

But the rodeo isn’t the only event cooking up entertainment.

The Buc Days BBQ Cook-off also continues today and Saturday. The free event features about 30 teams from across the Coastal Bend seeking cash prizes and trophies. Spectators also can apply to be judges in five categories that include brisket, ribs and seafood.

Live music also will be provided at the BBQ Cook-off about 9:30 p.m. today and Saturday, immediately following the rodeo.

Country music artist and producer Radney Foster, best known for his 1993 song “Nobody Wins,” will perform tonight. Gary P. Nunn, a 40-year Texas country music icon and a Texas Hall of Fame inductee, will perform Saturday.

If You Go:

What: Buc Days Pro Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off

When: Cook-off: 5 p.m. to midnight today, noon to midnight Saturday

Rodeo: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday

Concerts: 9:30 p.m. today (Radney Foster) and Saturday (Gary P. Nunn)

Where: American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Parking: $5/Buccaneer Commission-sponsored lots (Proceeds benefit Buccaneer Scholarship Fund)

Cost: Rodeo: $10 to 75; Cook-off and concerts: Free

Information: 882-3242 or www.bucdays.com/Events_Rodeo.cfm