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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
As the iconic cattle drive marched down the Stockyards' Exchange Avenue on March 5, they were trailed by a surprise guest — Kid Rock. The multi-platinum, award-winning rock ‘n roll legend, wearing a cowboy hat and mounted on horseback, didn’t just make an entrance; he made a statement.
Once the billboard-topping artist made his way to the stage set up in the middle of the bricked street, he addressed an enthusiastic crowd, sharing some big news about a game-changing event set to take over the metroplex this May.
“It’s about bringing Americana back in a big way,” Kid Rock said with fervor. “We need something that celebrates what’s truly American — the cowboy and cowgirl spirit.”
This was just a preview of what promises to be an electrifying celebration of rodeo and rock music. Kid Rock’s new venture, Rock N Rodeo, is teaming up with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to transform Western sports into something bigger, bolder, and more rock ‘n roll.
In May, the Fort Worth Stockyards will play host to the prestigious PBR World Finals, where the world’s top bull riders will compete for a record-setting $3.26 million in prize money, including a $1 million bonus for the World Champion. The action will kick off at Cowtown Coliseum May 8, with eliminations leading up to the big show. But the true showstopper will come May 16, when Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo takes center stage at AT&T Stadium. It will be a high-octane blend of rodeo and rock music, featuring six teams led by legendary rodeo coaches battling it out in a bracket-style competition. Imagine bull riding and barrel racing, intertwined with Kid Rock’s legendary hits, all set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.
Sean Gleason, CEO and commissioner of PBR, kicked off the rally with an enthusiastic speech.
"First of all, I’ve got to tell you — America is back, and we’re going to celebrate this year like it’s 2025," Gleason declared. "Short of serving or sacrificing for our country, there is nothing that is more American than bull riding, rodeo, rock and roll, and country music."
He went on, "We’ve brought together the PBR, Kid Rock, the great state of Texas, AT&T Stadium, the home of America’s team — the Dallas Cowboys — and Fort Worth, the one and only Cowtown. Where we stand today is one of the last true bastions of cowboy history and heritage, and we are proud to make this the home of PBR."
Reflecting on the evolution of PBR, Gleason said, “In 2022, we brought the World Finals to the DFW Metroplex. Each year we’ve upped the ante. Last season, we introduced a multi-stage format that started here in Cowtown and crowned our World Champion at AT&T Stadium. This year, we’re back with Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo — a team-based format that reimagines rodeo and blends seamlessly with rock music, creating an experience unlike anything in the Western world.”
Gleason teased what fans could expect this May, adding, “On May 16th, we’ll kick off the second Rock N Rodeo with new contestants, music, and entertainment. This is going to be one of the biggest moments of Western sports in 2025.”
Local leadership was equally thrilled about the collaboration. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker shared her excitement about the event. “Having PBR headquartered here in Fort Worth is a huge win for our city,” Parker said. “It’s an honor to be part of a community that values Western heritage and knows how to throw a party.”
The rally wasn’t just a series of speeches — it was a sneak peek of the spectacle to come. Kid Rock took the stage to speak about his vision for the event, passionately discussing his love for rodeo and his goal of bringing a new kind of entertainment to the world of Western sports.
“You won’t find a more exciting sport than this,” Kid Rock said.
For the Fort Worth community, the rally was a reminder of their city’s proud Western roots. As Parker put it, “There’s no better place for PBR to be than right here in the Stockyards. This city lives and breathes Western heritage, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with the world.”
The energy was palpable, with fans and media gathering to hear directly from the stars. As Kid Rock took the mic one last time, he summed it up perfectly: “This isn’t just a rodeo. This is rock and roll. This is Americana. And we’re just getting started.”
