[September 23, 2013]
Six-Time World Champion Dan Mortensen Accepts First Exemption Invitation to Compete in THE AMERICAN, the World's Richest One-Day Rodeo
(Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2013 CONTACT: RFD-TV Public Relations
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Six-Time World Champion Dan Mortensen Accepts First Exemption Invitation to Compete in THE AMERICAN, the World's Richest One-Day Rodeo Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee comes out of retirement to compete in bronc riding event for a chance to win part of $2 million payout Omaha - Six-time World Champion Dan Mortensen has announced he will come out of retirement to compete in THE AMERICAN Rodeo on March 2, 2014. He will be competing in the bronc riding event, where he will face the top 10 in the world after the Wranglers National Finals Rodeo (WFNR).
Mortensen won one All-Around World title and six World Championship titles in bronc riding, tying for most all-time wins with the legendary cowboy, Casey Tibbs. In 2003, he became the first roughstock cowboy in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) history to exceed $2 million in career earnings. He retired from the sport in 2008 and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009.
"I've been out of bronc riding and western sports for a while now. I've missed matching my physical and mental skills against powerful and impressive animals in the arena" Mortensen said. "THE AMERICAN allows me to get back into the saddle to compete in the sport I love, while being part of this historic event that gives us a shot at some of the biggest payouts ever." On August 22 at AT&T Stadium, RFD-TV announced THE AMERICAN would be taking place on March 2, 2014, at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. With a potential $2 million payout, it would be the richest one-day rodeo in history. At the conclusion of the PBR World Finals and the WNFR, the top 10 athletes in the world will be eligible to compete in THE AMERICAN. Aside from this, a contestant can qualify by finishing in the top five in each event at the semi-finals in Mesquite, Texas. Mortensen has been selected by THE AMERICAN sanctioning bodies as one of the limited exemptions, allowing him to compete in the event. Additional exemptions will be announced periodically leading up to March 2, 2014.
"THE AMERICAN is all about elevating western sports by bringing together the most dynamic talent in the world, and Dan Mortensen is a proven six-time winner," said Randy Bernard, President and CEO of Rural Media Group. "He was selected for his sheer talent, sportsmanship and record in the arena and we are honored that he accepted the invitation to compete in our event." THE AMERICAN is being closely coordinated with Professional Bull Rider's (PBR) Iron Cowboy V, which will take place the day before THE AMERICAN on March 1, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Combined; the events are expected to bring over 100,000 fans and participants to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
"Dan is right up there with the greatest bronc riders that ever lived" said Ty Murray, nine-time PRCA World Champion and PBR co-founder. "Having him compete is one of the elements that make THE AMERICAN so exciting for the fans and why my eyes, are going to be glued to the action." "Dan is the real deal. The team at THE AMERICAN made the right decision in selecting him as their first exemption" said legendary cowboy and eight-time World Champion Larry Mahan. "I've watched him through the years and his ride will make for an exciting and wild show for the fans at AT&T stadium." Tickets for THE AMERICAN went on sale on September 16. Ticket prices range from $20 to $150, not including taxes. They can be purchased at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.americanrodeo.com.
### Notes to Editors: About RFD-TV's THE AMERICAN: Taking place at Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium on March 2, 2014, with an estimated attendance of 75,000, RFD-TV's THE AMERICAN is the single largest 1-day cash prize event in the entire history of rodeo. With $2-million on the line, the best athletes in the world will be gathering in Dallas to compete in one epic day of raw rodeo will, skill and power. THE AMERICAN is inviting the top 10 athletes in each of the traditional rodeo sports as well as the top 10 from the PBR. The top 10 bull riding contestants will be invited after the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, and the remainder of the primary rodeo sports contenders, will be determined after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In addition to the 10 invites, THE AMERICAN will make 5 additional spots available for any rodeo athlete in the world through five regional qualifiers. If one of those athletes goes on to win their respective event at THE AMERICAN they will split an additional bonus pool of $1-million dollars in prize money.
With the help of broadcast partners and sponsors, RFD-TV will be broadcasting the event LIVE on the day, helping to bring the totality of this defining western sports experience to a wide national audience. For more information, please visit: www.rfdtv.com/theamerican and www.RFDTV.com. Follow us on Twitter @RFDTVAMERICAN and on find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RFDTVTheAMERICAN About Rural Media Group, Inc. (RMG): Rural Media Group, Inc. is the world's leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and western lifestyle. RMG is the parent company of RFD-TV, FamilyNet, RURAL TV, RURAL RADIO on SiriusXM channel 80, RFD-TV the Magazine and RFD-TV the Theatre. RFD-TV, the flagship network for RMG, launched in December 2000. RFD-TV is the nation's first 24-hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America with programming focused on agriculture, equine and the rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment. RMG acquired FamilyNet, America's trusted entertainment network dedicated to providing wholesome and responsible viewing choices for today's diverse family. RURAL TV produces rural business news covering commodity markets for both cash and futures. Daily productions include Market Day Report and the Rural Evening News. RMG networks are distributed into more than 63-million homes worldwide by DBS, telco and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV®, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, AT&T U-Verse, Mediacom, Charter, Optimum, Brighthouse, Suddenlink, Time Warner, Cox, and more than 600 independent rural cable systems. RFD-TV The Magazine is the print programming guide for the networks, which has attracted over 180,000 paid subscribers. RFD-TV The Theatre is a 2000 capacity soft seat venue in Branson, MO where entertainment programming is produced. Corporate headquarters are in Omaha, NE, and production operations are in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.rfdtv.com, www.myruraltv.com, and www.familynet.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @OfficialRFDTV @RURALTV @FamilyNet @RURALRADIO80 This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.
