ProRodeo Sports News - October 2, 2020

SHORT ROUND

Tallman named Legend of ProRodeo Honored

P roRodeo Hall of Fame announcer Bob Tallman has been named the 2020 Legend of ProRodeo. Tallman will be honored at the Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on Nov. 30. “I’ve been the host of the Legend of ProRodeo event three or four times, and I asked (ProRodeo Hall of Fame director) Kent Sturman, ‘Is there somebody older than me who might not be in good health that is more deserving?’” Tallman said. “I have been so over awarded in 50 years, and in one week I got the call to work the (2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo), then I passed my real estate test and then I got a call from Kent Sturman. It was a triple-crown week.” During a five-decade career, Tallman has announced more than 15,000 rodeo performances in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Tallman’s gravel-laced baritone and story-telling prowess are legendary in ProRodeo. In 2020, Tallman will work his record 26th Wrangler NFR at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 3-12. Tallman was named the 2019 PRCA Announcer of the Year for the 10th time and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2004. Born Oct. 25, 1947, in Winnemucca, Nev., Tallman tried his hand as a rodeo competitor, but he quickly discovered his forte was behind a microphone, as evidenced by his first PRCA Announcer of the Year Award in 1982. Tallman’s career began in Fallon, Nev., when he told a rodeo producer he thought he could do a better job than the announcer was doing. The producer told him to give it a try. Tallman earned $100 for that first job and has never looked back. Tallman is the 15th man to be honored as a Legend ProRodeo fans spoke, and the PRCA listened. The result has been spectacular. Less than two weeks after the PRCA announced that the 2020 Wrangler NFR would move to Arlington, Texas, at Globe Life Field, Dec. 3-12, all available seats at Globe Life Field were scooped up during pre-sale for season ticket holders and public sales Sept. 25. “This is what happens when you listen to your fans and shape an event around them,” PRCA CEO George Taylor said. “We’ve worked closely with our partners at Globe Life Field and we’re cooperating with the state and local health authorities to design an event that will be safe and fun. The 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is going to be one for the ages.” Tickets for the Wrangler NFR were sold in blocks of four so that families and close friends could sit together

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

of ProRodeo, following Jake Barnes, Jim Shoulders, Clem McSpadden, Harry Vold, Larry Mahan, Shawn Davis, Dean Oliver, Donnie Gay, Benny Binion, Mel Potter, Neal Gay, Michael Gaughan, Keith Martin and Cotton Rosser. The Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala will include a reception at 6 p.m. (CT), followed by a 7 p.m. dinner with live auction and program. Entertainment will be musical artist Paul Bogart.

Wrangler NFR in Texas enjoys brisk ticket sales

safely. Each block of four seats is separated to retain healthy physical distance for fans during the rodeo performances. Contact-limiting measures, such as mobile tickets, have been implemented throughout the event. If the public health situation evolves, there may be additional tickets available. Globe Life Field is working closely with state and local health officials and has created a wait list for fans if additional tickets become available at www. texasrangers.com/NFR. Fans who sign up for the wait list will be given first opportunity to buy tickets that might be made available. Limited suite rentals at Globe Life Field are still available for each performance. For information and availability, fans should email specialevents@texasrangers.com or call 972-RANGERS.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/2/2020

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