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Location: Texas | ERA Rodeo TOP RODEO ATHLETES ANNOUNCE THE FORMATION OF THE ELITE RODEO ASSOCIATION BOERNE, TX (February 16, 2015) -- The Elite Rodeo Association (ERA), an innovative new rodeo corporation created and owned by the top rodeo athletes in the world, is proud to announce its formation. “We believe that rodeo needed an elite tour comprised of only the world’s best rodeo competitors and livestock,” said Tony Garritano, CEO and President of the ERA. “Due to its business model, the ERA is the only rodeo organization that can truly guarantee appearances of the top talent in professional rodeo. Being owned by the contestants, they are guaranteeing themselves.” Just as other professional sports industries have elite levels of competition for their top athletes, the ERA will do the same for the top professional rodeo athletes by creating a tour that will showcase the best talent in rodeo. The ERA plans to work in cooperation with existing rodeo venues and sports arenas across North America to create an exciting and sought after tour. In addition, ERA is focused on the future generations of top rodeo athletes with a mission of ensuring the integrity of the sport of rodeo and providing additional opportunities for professional rodeo cowboys, cowgirls and industry partners for years to come. The ERA is owned by the top 55 rodeo athletes, 42 of which are World Champion Rodeo Cowboys & Cowgirls. While the current ownership includes existing top competitors, the progressive model allows for aspiring elite rodeo athletes to participate and earn ownership in the ERA. “By introducing a unique concept like the ERA, it is our hope to increase the awareness of the sport of rodeo on a national stage” says 21--time World Champion Cowboy and ERA Board Member, Trevor Brazile. “Enhancing the sport of professional rodeo and building something greater for the future generations of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls is the goal of the ERA. We look forward to working with the entire rodeo industry.” Governed by a seven--member board that will consist of three rough stock representatives, three timed event representatives and one administrative official, the athlete--owned organization will showcase the best cowboys and cowgirls, whose eligibility to compete will be determined by the ERA qualification system. In 2016, the ERA will produce a 15--event regular--season tour, all broadcast on national network television, culminating with a 5--day World Championship event. “We are excited about building and releasing our 2016 season and plan to increase the number of tour stops in the years to come. The ERA has its own set of regulations, allowing us to provide very unique opportunities for the entire rodeo industry,” states Garritano. Exciting announcements about the 2016 tour will be coming soon. More information will be released through erarodeo.com and our Facebook page, ERA Rodeo. Media Contacts: Holly DeLaune, 210--632--3208, delaune.holly@gmail.com |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
 
| I was just reading this and about to post something about it. Looks like the PRCA might have a little pressure coming on soon! Maybe they won't allow PETA in their pocket! |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | So will those founding members stop participating in PRCA rodeos? |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I just saw this on FB, interesting |
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Location: Texas | Longneck - 2015-02-16 4:51 PM
So will those founding members stop participating in PRCA rodeos?
I don't believe so... Says in 2016 they will only have 15 rodeos, seems like they would still have to attend PRCA events to pay the bills.
I am interested to see how it plays out, might be a "game changer". |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Real interesting since Boerne is 20 miles from us and Tony is Charmayne Jame's business manager and husband if I'm not mistaken. |
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10D Crack Champion
| EqualRanch - 2015-02-16 5:07 PM Longneck - 2015-02-16 4:51 PM So will those founding members stop participating in PRCA rodeos? I don't believe so... Says in 2016 they will only have 15 rodeos, seems like they would still have to attend PRCA events to pay the bills. I am interested to see how it plays out, might be a "game changer".
I am sure with the success of RFD-TV's The American, the PBR, CBR, and the Professional Rough Stock Association it has spurred along a lot of outside the box thinking. I would think they would schedule their rodeos around the big PRCA rodeos especially the first year just in case it isn't a huge success right out of the gate. |
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10D Crack Champion
| Nevertooold - 2015-02-16 5:11 PM Real interesting since Boerne is 20 miles from us and Tony is Charmayne Jame's business manager and husband if I'm not mistaken.
I think that Tony G is Charmayne's husband, her manager, as well as sports agent to many top PRCA contestants. If I remember right he was a sports agent when he and Charmayne first started dating. |
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Location: Texas | You are correct Nevertooold!
That made me very curious what part, if any, Charmayne will have in this new association.  |
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10D Crack Champion
| http://erarodeo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/erarodeo
Their Facebook page is a public business page everyone can view whether one has a Facebook account or not.
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10D Crack Champion
| EqualRanch - 2015-02-16 5:21 PM You are correct Nevertooold! That made me very curious what part, if any, Charmayne will have in this new association.
Edited by sodapop 2015-02-16 5:30 PM
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Location: Texas | sodapop - 2015-02-16 5:23 PM EqualRanch - 2015-02-16 5:21 PM You are correct Nevertooold! That made me very curious what part, if any, Charmayne will have in this new association.
Charmayne James, Trevor Brazile, Fred Whitfield, Tuf Cooper, Bobby Mote, Clay Tryan, Jade Corkill, and Patrick Smith, among others. Between those 8 people they have won 54 World Championships.
Edited by EqualRanch 2015-02-16 5:46 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| Im not sure about this, The American is for the average everyday person to show they can hang with the big names and this seems to be the opposite. Ill have to wait and see more of the details... |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I guess that's cool if their goal is to keep the little guy out of it. At least with the PRCA rodeos I can enter them when I can and have my shot at winning some money. I paid my dues and filled my permit... Glad the American is out there for people like me to try for. |
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Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I understand the concept that the draw will be you get to see the "best of the best" at each performance, but I like seeing the rookies who make the NFR compete with the "regulars", they are also an elite in my book and worth watching. That said, I do not begrudge them an opportunity to create an organization that will make them some $$.
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-02-16 7:13 PM
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7616
Location: Dubach, LA | I can promise the tickets to those rodeos will be out of my price range.
Edited to add: Who has a list of the owners?
Edited by CanCan 2015-02-16 7:21 PM
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Posts: 1552
Location: Texas | I can't help but wonder what damage it will cause to some of the rodeos as we know them. Sure would be easier for big rodeos to just sign on for one of their events instead of dealing with th standard PRCA/WPRA rodeo venue. |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | I understand some of the frustrations with the PRCA over the years. However, I think it is a sad day for rodeo when some forget where they come from, and the struggles and tenacity it took to get to be the rookie and work their way the top. It's a sad day when they try to block out the up and commers and make it all about and only "The Elite". |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Once a "Elite" top 15 drops out for what ever reason...I would like to know how they will fill that spot? The PRCA rodeos take care of that problem with all the rodeos they have that a rookie can enter but I don't see how it will work for the "Elite". |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 421
Location: Texas!! | I kind of understand what they are doing, they are promoting rodeo for the fans. They are only doing 15 per year, so fans that would like an NFR experience, but maybe can't go to Las Vegas can have it. I know when I'm at the amateur rodeos, I look at the draw and when I see the top contestants names in any event, I try to watch. I'm sure there will be a way the up and coming rodeo contestants can work their way up to the tour too. Even the PBR has a lower level tour for riders that aren't riding well, they have to work their way back up. They also have the 15 on 15 (top riders and top bulls). Just think of it as an all-star game like for other sports. If it promotes rodeo in a positive way, I'm for it. As long as we still have The American (which I think is awesome and the best idea in a long time!), the PRCA, WPRA, and all our amateur organizations so everyone has a chance to chase their dreams!
Edited by rodeodelux 2015-02-16 8:34 PM
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 The Original Cyber Bartender
Location: Washington | I wonder if they will allow gambling/betting on them. If Tony is involved I would say yes, this is what he tried in Florida with the barrel racers at the casino(Gretna)....it was all for a gambling license. |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | fatchance - 2015-02-16 8:49 PM
I wonder if they will allow gambling/betting on them. If Tony is involved I would say yes, this is what he tried in Florida with the barrel racers at the casino(Gretna)....it was all for a gambling license.
Actually, I for years have been surprised Vegas hasn't done that with the NFR. |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
I believe that they will do much like the PBR and have challenger events... I may actually start rodeoing if they do this and make it an actual "professional" organization. Great ground, great stock, great payout, only 15 rodeos. I'm in! :)
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10D Crack Champion
| grinandbareit - 2015-02-16 9:36 PM I believe that they will do much like the PBR and have challenger events... I may actually start rodeoing if they do this and make it an actual "professional" organization. Great ground, great stock, great payout, only 15 rodeos. I'm in! :) From the article, it sounds like they want to grow to well beyond 15 rodeos. It will be just 15 for the first year. I assume if it is a success they will increase the number of rodeos. It sounds like they are setting up something very similar to the PBR except they have more founding owners than the PBR. It also says something about contestants being able to become part owners. If they are able to increase the number of rodeos, then maybe the top contestants won't need to compete at PRCA events.
Edited by sodapop 2015-02-16 10:38 PM
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| ThreeCorners - 2015-02-16 9:25 PM
fatchance - 2015-02-16 8:49 PM
I wonder if they will allow gambling/betting on them. If Tony is involved I would say yes, this is what he tried in Florida with the barrel racers at the casino(Gretna)....it was all for a gambling license.
Actually, I for years have been surprised Vegas hasn't done that with the NFR.
You can place bets on the Bull Riding at the NFR. |
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 Saint Stacey
| So they get their elite from the WPRA and PRC standings... I can already tell how well that part will go over. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | My first thought was surely they won't quite going to the PRCA rodeos, at least right now. Will the judging for the roughies at the PRCA rodeos be affected because these people have went off to start their own assoc. It probably won't mess much with the timed events, but I know there are some crooked judges out there. |
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10D Crack Champion
| There is a Q & A posted on their facebook page. It's a public page and everyone can view it even if you don't have facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/erarodeo/photos/pcb.435279446625489/435279186625515/?type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/erarodeo/photos/pcb.435279446625489/435279183292182/?type=1&theater
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Kansas and loving it | Doesn't interest me at all. I like to watch nobody's to everybody's horses. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 595
Location: nj | This is just a way for the people on top to make it a little easer for them to stay there longer. The beauty of rodeo vs other sports is the hometown kid can win it as well as the seasoned rider. I just hope it doesn't hurt the real rodeos... |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I agree with threeponies. I used to love the San Antonio rodeo because it was close to home and we could see some of our hometown cowboys and cowgirls compete and hold their own with the big dogs. I really miss that. |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | I can understand the concept, but I would just be curious how one goes about becoming an "Elite" through their future qualification system. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | I don't like that many of the bigger PRCA rodeos are limited. It kind of keeps the top hands at the top and the weekenders just weekenders. If I only have 1 week I can take off a year and I wanted to enter a big rodeo because I think I'm tough enough to compete, I should be able to enter, but that's not the case... So even though they didn't make it a separate tour, PRCA has to a point already done this by limiting entries to the best rodeos.
I do like the idea of an elite tour if that's what they want, but I don't like the idea of limiting rodeos. I've never understood it. More entries mean more money. If the committees think spectators only want to see the toughs, make the others enter in slack or something, but I don't believe in keeping someone from entering a rodeo in an association of which they are a member. |
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| According to the PRCA website they have over 7,000 members so I’m sure that if you subtract the top 15 from each event, that’s going to leave quite few people left over! I’m also sure that the money has to come from somewhere and while many of the committees want the big dogs to come, they don’t want to pay for them. This has been proven time and again by seeing the added money that they are willing to put up at their rodeos.
I think it’s great that they would like to establish themselves as an “elite” group and it should be interesting to watch and see if the concept works.
However, I feel that the weekend warriors and people who stay within the limits of their circuit, are the strength behind most rodeo associations. They are the life blood of rodeo and have helped it to sustain for many years. Their importance should never be discounted.
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | this may come back to bite them in the  ...a lot of the money that these guys take home comes from non elite members, and these guys weren't always "elite" ......and really 75% of the ppl inthe stands have no idea who they are watching joe blow or tuff cooper................thats just my 2 cents..lol
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 Husband Spoiler
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Location: North Dakota | SKM - 2015-02-17 2:57 PM So they get their elite from the WPRA and PRC standings... I can already tell how well that part will go over.
Exactly what I was thinking! |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | All the same "grumblings" were thrown out there when the PBR was established......And these guys win more money (percentage ratio) in far fewer events than running up and down the road to over 50 rodeos.....They also have been able to garner big time money sponsors for their events........
Here is a link to the winnings for a few guys.....
http://www.pbr.com/en/riders/all-time-money-earners.aspx |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | NJJ - 2015-02-19 2:33 PM All the same "grumblings" were thrown out there when the PBR was established......And these guys win more money (percentage ratio) in far fewer events than running up and down the road to over 50 rodeos.....They also have been able to garner big time money sponsors for their events........
Here is a link to the winnings for a few guys.....
http://www.pbr.com/en/riders/all-time-money-earners.aspx
very good point....
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | GLP - 2015-02-18 8:03 AM I agree with threeponies. I used to love the San Antonio rodeo because it was close to home and we could see some of our hometown cowboys and cowgirls compete and hold their own with the big dogs. I really miss that.
Me too. I have no desire to go watch it with all the bracket BS. |
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 I don't want to screw up!
Posts: 3881
Location: North Dakota -> Colorado | I'm intrigued at how this is all going to work. Personally, I feel like this isn't something that should be going down. How does one work their way up to elite etc etc. kind of seems like it is forgetting the "little" people and forgetting where they came from.... the "BOTTOM" |
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boon
Posts: 3
| It always amazes me that people will respond with what they want others to believe is fact, when in fact, it is total horse manure. Tony Garritano was never a part of the Gretna project. Charmayne James was asked to speak on behalf of the Gretna project and she did so because it was a benefit for barrel racers. What was not being told (by the horse racing industry in Florida is by state law a certain percentage of all gaming revenues (set by the state) have to go into the purse of the horse racing operation. The other racing associations didn't want future monies to go to barrel racing or any other racing association except their own. (It's was just greed on their part). The Gretna project was an opportunity for Florida barrel racers to run for more money than they have ever before. And had it not been quashed by political pundits influenced by the horse racing industry, overtime the purse money would have topped 7 figures a year. How many barrel racers are running for that type of purse now?
As for ERA, I personally think its a great idea, especially for the fan of barrel racing and rodeo, of which I am one and a new one at that. And speaking from a fans point of view, it quite difficult to follow your favorite barrel racer or for that matter even your favorite newcomer with the current system. A major league type of organization, gives the entire industry...ORGANIZATION and that seems to be lacking in the current system. It is beyond me that someone starting out would be anything but thrilled to strive towards making it to the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL or the ERA!
Of course, there are those who will always resist change, even when it is for their on good (Gretna is a great example). I think it was Harold Wilson who said, "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects change is the cemetery." |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| Not a fan.
The beauty and attraction of Rodeo (at least for me) is that, no matter WHO you are, if you can run faster, catch quicker, ride better than your competition, you can win. Like someone else said, if it wasn't for us peons trying to climb the ladder of competition, the payoffs wouldn't be nearly so big.
I'd be curious to see if those who think that this is a good idea....do you also like the Divisional barrel races where "everyone gets a prize"?
I would have no issues with a tour of the "elite" as long as the prize money doesn't count towards the NFR, and yes I realize that the money from the ERA would not. The problem that I see for the rank and file is that this is only going to fracture rodeo even further, and the money available for sponsorships, added money and event productions is going to be split even further. If this is successful, then there will be even less money available for local and regional rodeos.
Yes, I admit that I am resistant to change. Yes I recognize that the PBR was wildly successful because they recognize that they are competing with other ENTERTAINMENT venues like the Ice Capades and Monster Truck rallies, but I also recognize that the opportunities for ME to rodeo have dwindled with advent of Bull riding only events and elite tour rodeos. So this will great for the "elite" but not so good for the rest of us. |
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Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | Webby - 2015-02-19 4:38 PM It always amazes me that people will respond with what they want others to believe is fact, when in fact, it is total horse manure. Tony Garritano was never a part of the Gretna project. Charmayne James was asked to speak on behalf of the Gretna project and she did so because it was a benefit for barrel racers. What was not being told (by the horse racing industry in Florida is by state law a certain percentage of all gaming revenues (set by the state) have to go into the purse of the horse racing operation. The other racing associations didn't want future monies to go to barrel racing or any other racing association except their own. (It's was just greed on their part). The Gretna project was an opportunity for Florida barrel racers to run for more money than they have ever before. And had it not been quashed by political pundits influenced by the horse racing industry, overtime the purse money would have topped 7 figures a year. How many barrel racers are running for that type of purse now? As for ERA, I personally think its a great idea, especially for the fan of barrel racing and rodeo, of which I am one and a new one at that. And speaking from a fans point of view, it quite difficult to follow your favorite barrel racer or for that matter even your favorite newcomer with the current system. A major league type of organization, gives the entire industry...ORGANIZATION and that seems to be lacking in the current system. It is beyond me that someone starting out would be anything but thrilled to strive towards making it to the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL or the ERA! Of course, there are those who will always resist change, even when it is for their on good (Gretna is a great example). I think it was Harold Wilson who said, "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects change is the cemetery."
The very first time I read about the ERA I did not like the sound of it. To think the "elite" were starting their own association kind of just gave me a bad taste in my mouth BUT the more I thought about it especially after reading this article....
https://alexisbloomer.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/why-rodeo-is-one-of-the-most-marketable-sports-but-still-not-mainstream/
After reading that article I started to think about WHY isn't rodeo more mainstream and marketed more? Then I began to think about how difficult it is to follow rodeo and the athletes. So many rodeos scattered all over the country every weekend unlike NASCAR, NBA, and NFL which have either one or only a couple games going on at a time. Also the top contestants in rodeo are constantly changing unlike in other sports where they are there for years because of contracts, sponsorships, teams, etc. so people are able to get to know them, follow them, and become a fan. If you think about it rodeo is more of a jumbled mess to the outside viewer than the bigger, mainstream and more organized sports. I think the ERA is a way of making rodeo more audience friendly which in the long run will help the whole world of rodeo. I don't feel it is them trying to distinguish themselves as the best of the best but a way to give the audience what they want and in turn getting rodeo more mainstream attention.
Edited by Just Bring It 2015-02-20 10:55 AM
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Are they going to use the WPRA and the PRCA as a minor league to fill in the spots when the original Elite can no longer compete? What happens when an Elite barrel racer no longer has that A game horse to compete on? Do they tell her you now suck and are no longer an Elite and replace her?
The PBR worked because it was already a fan favorite and could easily stand alone unlike any of the other events. I can see the Elite working as a group but there are so many variables that will be tough to keep going. A bronc rider and a bull rider just needs their equipment to go down the road. The other events involve a horse and when you don't have a good horse it doesn't matter who your are...you can't be a winner riding a jackass. |
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Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | Nevertooold - 2015-02-20 11:00 AM Are they going to use the WPRA and the PRCA as a minor league to fill in the spots when the original Elite can no longer compete? What happens when an Elite barrel racer no longer has that A game horse to compete on? Do they tell her you now suck and are no longer an Elite and replace her?
The PBR worked because it was already a fan favorite and could easily stand alone unlike any of the other events. I can see the Elite working as a group but there are so many variables that will be tough to keep going. A bronc rider and a bull rider just needs their equipment to go down the road. The other events involve a horse and when you don't have a good horse it doesn't matter who your are...you can't be a winner riding a jackass.
Yeah I would really like to know more specifics on how they plan to keep those top 15 "elite". I think it is cool that they are trying something new. I think it will be fun to see how it all plays out. But we all know some of those tops riders seem to have a slew of horses backing them up or people that will gladly lease them a horse to finish a season on. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 926
| Just Bring It - 2015-02-20 11:11 AM
Nevertooold - 2015-02-20 11:00 AM Are they going to use the WPRA and the PRCA as a minor league to fill in the spots when the original Elite can no longer compete? What happens when an Elite barrel racer no longer has that A game horse to compete on? Do they tell her you now suck and are no longer an Elite and replace her?
The PBR worked because it was already a fan favorite and could easily stand alone unlike any of the other events. I can see the Elite working as a group but there are so many variables that will be tough to keep going. A bronc rider and a bull rider just needs their equipment to go down the road. The other events involve a horse and when you don't have a good horse it doesn't matter who your are...you can't be a winner riding a jackass.
Yeah I would really like to know more specifics on how they plan to keep those top 15 "elite". I think it is cool that they are trying something new. I think it will be fun to see how it all plays out. But we all know some of those tops riders seem to have a slew of horses backing them up or people that will gladly lease them a horse to finish a season on.
So even Fallon Taylor hits a barrel, and sometimes Tuff draws a bad calf, right? So I pay $50 or $75 for my ticket, and it ends up not being the best rodeo even if they're elite.
PBR didn't just say the best bull riders could come ride, they said, come ride bulls with us, that's the difference here. Everyone of these folks that are now elite were once just an up and comer. We get the see them every year as they work hard all year to go to a rodeo and out ride, out rope, out perform the Elites, to me that's the excitement of rodeo.
I wish no ill will, it just sounds more like an ego stroke than something to keep the next Charmayne or Cort Scheer from coming along...jmho. |
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Go For It!
Location: Texas |
This isn't going to change local rodeo at all. Just like NASCAR didn't change the ammy dirt track and asphalt racing, the PBR didn't change local bull riding, etc. If anything it made those events more popular. Take the NFL or the NBA for example... There are still a ton of people playing league ball and at sometime in their life every little kid out there wants to be a professional sports player, lol.
The guys that play professional sports don't always do good either, they have off seasons. It will be the same way in rodeo. I personally hope that they do something like a challenger series so that we all get an opportunity to be able to work our way up to compete at the big events. I would love the opportunity to run for that kind of money without having to go to 100 rodeos all over the country. If a backyard trainer like me can have an opportunity like that it would be awesome. No matter what though, you still have to be able to compete and win to get there. There won't be any handouts I'm sure. I'm excited to see where this goes, and I hope they don't take too long because I'm not getting any younger! ;)
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Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | chicks2 - 2015-02-20 11:26 AM Just Bring It - 2015-02-20 11:11 AM Nevertooold - 2015-02-20 11:00 AM Are they going to use the WPRA and the PRCA as a minor league to fill in the spots when the original Elite can no longer compete? What happens when an Elite barrel racer no longer has that A game horse to compete on? Do they tell her you now suck and are no longer an Elite and replace her?
The PBR worked because it was already a fan favorite and could easily stand alone unlike any of the other events. I can see the Elite working as a group but there are so many variables that will be tough to keep going. A bronc rider and a bull rider just needs their equipment to go down the road. The other events involve a horse and when you don't have a good horse it doesn't matter who your are...you can't be a winner riding a jackass. Yeah I would really like to know more specifics on how they plan to keep those top 15 "elite". I think it is cool that they are trying something new. I think it will be fun to see how it all plays out. But we all know some of those tops riders seem to have a slew of horses backing them up or people that will gladly lease them a horse to finish a season on. So even Fallon Taylor hits a barrel, and sometimes Tuff draws a bad calf, right? So I pay $50 or $75 for my ticket, and it ends up not being the best rodeo even if they're elite. PBR didn't just say the best bull riders could come ride, they said, come ride bulls with us, that's the difference here. Everyone of these folks that are now elite were once just an up and comer. We get the see them every year as they work hard all year to go to a rodeo and out ride, out rope, out perform the Elites, to me that's the excitement of rodeo. I wish no ill will, it just sounds more like an ego stroke than something to keep the next Charmayne or Cort Scheer from coming along...jmho.
Of course! Everyone has a bad day just like the pros in NBA and the NFL. But their fans still love them through their ups and downs, wins and losses. The little guy CAN still work their way to the top. Work hard enough and you too can become an elite just like those that go on to play pro ball. They are not replacing the PRCA but forming a new association that is different. Not just anyone can compete in the PBR against the best of the best. You have to work your way to that level. I don't know the specifics on how they will continue to choose the top 15 so like I said it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. If they plan on working on conjunction with the PRCA and using their standings? Or how they will "draft" people to be considered "elite". |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16572
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Just Bring It - 2015-02-20 11:45 AM chicks2 - 2015-02-20 11:26 AM Just Bring It - 2015-02-20 11:11 AM Nevertooold - 2015-02-20 11:00 AM Are they going to use the WPRA and the PRCA as a minor league to fill in the spots when the original Elite can no longer compete? What happens when an Elite barrel racer no longer has that A game horse to compete on? Do they tell her you now suck and are no longer an Elite and replace her?
The PBR worked because it was already a fan favorite and could easily stand alone unlike any of the other events. I can see the Elite working as a group but there are so many variables that will be tough to keep going. A bronc rider and a bull rider just needs their equipment to go down the road. The other events involve a horse and when you don't have a good horse it doesn't matter who your are...you can't be a winner riding a jackass. Yeah I would really like to know more specifics on how they plan to keep those top 15 "elite". I think it is cool that they are trying something new. I think it will be fun to see how it all plays out. But we all know some of those tops riders seem to have a slew of horses backing them up or people that will gladly lease them a horse to finish a season on. So even Fallon Taylor hits a barrel, and sometimes Tuff draws a bad calf, right? So I pay $50 or $75 for my ticket, and it ends up not being the best rodeo even if they're elite. PBR didn't just say the best bull riders could come ride, they said, come ride bulls with us, that's the difference here. Everyone of these folks that are now elite were once just an up and comer. We get the see them every year as they work hard all year to go to a rodeo and out ride, out rope, out perform the Elites, to me that's the excitement of rodeo. I wish no ill will, it just sounds more like an ego stroke than something to keep the next Charmayne or Cort Scheer from coming along...jmho.
I mentioned this before.....The same grumblings were thrown out there when the PBR started that it would kill the amateur and PRCA rodeos, blah, blah, blah.....but it didn't. It actually brought more spectators to a rodeo event. I would venture to say that most of the spectators at the very BIG rodeos go to see the "big name contestants" that they have heard or read about. They are the contestants that the rodeos promote to GET spectators to come. Additionally, the PRCA tried to take the direction of the "association" away from the contestants and p*ffed off MANY......they deserve what they get.
Edited by NJJ 2015-02-20 12:22 PM
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Saint Stacey
| Webby - 2015-02-19 3:38 PM
It always amazes me that people will respond with what they want others to believe is fact, when in fact, it is total horse manure. Tony Garritano was never a part of the Gretna project. Charmayne James was asked to speak on behalf of the Gretna project and she did so because it was a benefit for barrel racers. What was not being told (by the horse racing industry in Florida is by state law a certain percentage of all gaming revenues (set by the state) have to go into the purse of the horse racing operation. The other racing associations didn't want future monies to go to barrel racing or any other racing association except their own. (It's was just greed on their part). The Gretna project was an opportunity for Florida barrel racers to run for more money than they have ever before. And had it not been quashed by political pundits influenced by the horse racing industry, overtime the purse money would have topped 7 figures a year. How many barrel racers are running for that type of purse now?
As for ERA, I personally think its a great idea, especially for the fan of barrel racing and rodeo, of which I am one and a new one at that. And speaking from a fans point of view, it quite difficult to follow your favorite barrel racer or for that matter even your favorite newcomer with the current system. A major league type of organization, gives the entire industry...ORGANIZATION and that seems to be lacking in the current system. It is beyond me that someone starting out would be anything but thrilled to strive towards making it to the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL or the ERA!
Of course, there are those who will always resist change, even when it is for their on good (Gretna is a great example). I think it was Harold Wilson who said, "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects change is the cemetery."
You seem to be a little confused on some of this. I said at the very beginning of the Gretna deal that the barrel racers were slitting their own throat by not following theproper cchannels to get approval. Why on earth would you agree to letting the people running the gambling represent you? They clearly didn't care about the barrel racers or the whole thing would have been handled a lot differently. Gretna and their lawyers were fully aware of what would happen. They were hoping they would have had enough races that they could use other loop holes to keep the card rooms open when the barrel racers got the boot. The barrel racers saw dollar signs without realizing that they could have had a hell of a lot more if they would have bid their time and followed the law instead of jumping through a loop hole for a short term payout. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Wonder if the ERA drug tests....
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10D Crack Champion
| Just Bring It - 2015-02-20 10:52 AM Webby - 2015-02-19 4:38 PM It always amazes me that people will respond with what they want others to believe is fact, when in fact, it is total horse manure. Tony Garritano was never a part of the Gretna project. Charmayne James was asked to speak on behalf of the Gretna project and she did so because it was a benefit for barrel racers. What was not being told (by the horse racing industry in Florida is by state law a certain percentage of all gaming revenues (set by the state) have to go into the purse of the horse racing operation. The other racing associations didn't want future monies to go to barrel racing or any other racing association except their own. (It's was just greed on their part). The Gretna project was an opportunity for Florida barrel racers to run for more money than they have ever before. And had it not been quashed by political pundits influenced by the horse racing industry, overtime the purse money would have topped 7 figures a year. How many barrel racers are running for that type of purse now? As for ERA, I personally think its a great idea, especially for the fan of barrel racing and rodeo, of which I am one and a new one at that. And speaking from a fans point of view, it quite difficult to follow your favorite barrel racer or for that matter even your favorite newcomer with the current system. A major league type of organization, gives the entire industry...ORGANIZATION and that seems to be lacking in the current system. It is beyond me that someone starting out would be anything but thrilled to strive towards making it to the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL or the ERA! Of course, there are those who will always resist change, even when it is for their on good (Gretna is a great example). I think it was Harold Wilson who said, "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects change is the cemetery." The very first time I read about the ERA I did not like the sound of it. To think the "elite" were starting their own association kind of just gave me a bad taste in my mouth BUT the more I thought about it especially after reading this article....
https://alexisbloomer.wordpress.com/2015/02/18/why-rodeo-is-one-of-the-most-marketable-sports-but-still-not-mainstream/
After reading that article I started to think about WHY isn't rodeo more mainstream and marketed more? Then I began to think about how difficult it is to follow rodeo and the athletes. So many rodeos scattered all over the country every weekend unlike NASCAR, NBA, and NFL which have either one or only a couple games going on at a time. Also the top contestants in rodeo are constantly changing unlike in other sports where they are there for years because of contracts, sponsorships, teams, etc. so people are able to get to know them, follow them, and become a fan. If you think about it rodeo is more of a jumbled mess to the outside viewer than the bigger, mainstream and more organized sports. I think the ERA is a way of making rodeo more audience friendly which in the long run will help the whole world of rodeo. I don't feel it is them trying to distinguish themselves as the best of the best but a way to give the audience what they want and in turn getting rodeo more mainstream attention.
The PBR is very popular, but not as popular as NASCAR or Major League Baseball. It is not for everyone. Heck, even NASCAR is sometimes used as a derogitory term. I had a co-worker describe a person as "too NASCAR" for her as though the other person was less sophisticated.
In the PBR, people enjoy the wrecks and the great rides. It's one event. Rodeo is multiple events. Football is one event. Baseball is one event. That also makes a difference to the viewer. People are tuning in to watch a single, favorite event, not multiple events. I hope it works for the ERA.
Edited by sodapop 2015-02-23 7:45 PM
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I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| To those who say that things like the PBR did not hurt local rodeo, in our area that is NOT the case. An overload of bull riding sprung up, replacing full rodeos in many instances. They can book events more cheaply than full rodeos as they don't have to haul livestock for ALL events and provide added money for 6 events or more. So many committees and fairboards book the less expensive event regardless of production value.
Therefore there are fewer rodeos to compete at and many committees come away from such events with a bad taste fro rodeo in general.
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10D Crack Champion
| rodeoveteran - 2015-02-21 2:47 PM To those who say that things like the PBR did not hurt local rodeo, in our area that is NOT the case. An overload of bull riding sprung up, replacing full rodeos in many instances. They can book events more cheaply than full rodeos as they don't have to haul livestock for ALL events and provide added money for 6 events or more. So many committees and fairboards book the less expensive event regardless of production value. Therefore there are fewer rodeos to compete at and many committees come away from such events with a bad taste fro rodeo in general. The single bull riding events usually draw as big of a crowd if not a bigger crowd than a full rodeo too. It's easier money to be made all the way around really. The PBR events are pretty pricey, but I guess those fans will pay that price. The smaller bull riding events aren't quite so expensive and draw a big crowd if advertised.
Edited by sodapop 2015-02-21 9:59 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | I love to pick a horse or girl who is just coming up and watch them, keep up with them and how they are progressing. I've always loved it. For this reason, I wouldn't be as excited to watch the top as I am to just go see a pro rodeo. The mix of somebodies and nobodies is what draws me. It's so cool to see a team moving up. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | I love to pick a horse or girl who is just coming up and watch them, keep up with them and how they are progressing. I've always loved it. For this reason, I wouldn't be as excited to watch the top as I am to just go see a pro rodeo. The mix of somebodies and nobodies is what draws me. It's so cool to see a team moving up. |
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ERA - The Elite Rodeo Association