There's a sound a crowd makes when a rider reaches eight seconds — half roar, half disbelief. In Big Sky, we've been chasing that sound for fifteen years.
Earlier this month, the Big Sky PBR returned to the Big Sky Events Arena beneath Lone Mountain — and this year marked a milestone: its 15th anniversary. What began in 2011 as a single night of bull riding has grown into three nights of world-class competition wrapped inside ten days of community events, drawing a crowd of nearly 5,000. The riders themselves have voted it PBR's “Event of the Year” eleven times running. Not bad for something that started with hay bales.
Make no mistake about the caliber. Big Sky is a stop on PBR's Challenger Series — where forty of the toughest touring riders chase the points that can carry them toward the PBR World Finals. This is the real thing: professional athletes at the top of a brutal, beautiful sport. This year's championship round delivered four rides over 90 points — a rarity anywhere in bull riding — including Brady Fielder's stunning 94.9 and Ezekiel Mitchell's 93 aboard Tulsa Time. In the end it was Kade Madsen who conquered all four of his bulls to take the title, becoming the only rider ever to win Big Sky twice.
But Big Sky PBR has always been about more than eight seconds. It's one of Montana's great givers — raising over $800,000 this year alone for regional nonprofits, part of more than $5 million returned to the community over the years. The causes run deep: the Western Sports Foundation, which looks after the riders themselves; Big Sky Bravery and Warriors & Quiet Waters, honoring those who've served; the Epilepsy Foundation of Montana; and more. The sport gives, and this community gives back.
And the crowd? They come for the love of it. Bull riding is one of the beating hearts of western culture — raw, fearless, and honest — and there's nothing quite like feeling that energy roll across an arena with the mountains standing watch.
Rockies Rebels has been proud to stand among the event's sponsors for years now. We were born of this country and this culture; supporting the sport that lives at its center is simply who we are.
And if the western spirit has hold of you, you'll find a little of Rockies Rebels at the boutique inside One&Only Moonlight Basin — no reservation required.
Here's to fifteen years, Big Sky. See you in the stands.