Friday, January 18, and Saturday, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
TaxSlayer Center, 1201 River Drive, Moline IL
Currently celebrating 40 years of bringing extreme rodeo excitement to fans nationwide, the CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo makes a return visit to Moline's TaxSlayer Center January 18 and 19, treating patrons to entertainment from touring favorites such as professional bull jumper Manu Lataste, barrel artists John Harrison and Justin “Rumpshaker” Rumford, Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, and Sonny the 2,000-pound picture bull.
An innovative producer of western-lifestyle events, CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeowas established in 1979 with a traditional rodeo format, with all of its events held at indoor sports facilities in major cities. Within three years, it became the largest privately held rodeo company in the United States, and from 1981to1996, all CINCH events were sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
In 1996, the “Bulls and Broncs” format was developed and designed to be more fan-friendly to the non-traditional spectator, and has consequently become the most copied format in rodeo today. “Bulls and Broncs” rodeo features Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, and Barrel Racing, as well as the main-event Showdown Round featuring a head-to-head match-up of the top two in each event, and a unique combination of family entertainment and fast-paced professional rodeo action.
While owned by founder Steve Gander, CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo toured in 28 states and Canada, and was featured at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City on five occasions. In 1993, the rodeo produced the command performance for President Ronald Reagan and 11,000 guests in Washington, D.C., as well as the original PRCA Pro Tour Finals, believed to be the first rodeo to put dirt on ice without having to remove the ice after the event. Meanwhile, in the 2000s, CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo trailblazed further by inviting fans into the arena for one-hour meet-and-greet with both contestants and specialty entertainers, also adding pony rides, interactive games, and the opportunity for guests to get their pictures taken while sitting on Midnight, CINCH's favorite bull in the chutes.
Admission to the January 18 and 19 CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo events at 7:30 p.m. is $20-40 with reduced prices for children 12 and under, and $63 “Gold Buckle Seats” include a cowboy meet-and-greet and backstage tour, early entry, and a T-shirt. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit TaxSlayerCenter.com.
