OGDEN — A long time ago, in a rodeo arena not so far, far away …
It’s New Year’s Eve Bull Wars!
An event that started more than a quarter of a century ago is still going strong at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden. Bull Wars, presented by Broken Heart Rodeo of West Haven, returns at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, in the center’s Golden Spike Arena, 1000 N. 1200 West. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Katie Williams, event manager for the Golden Spike Event Center, said tickets to this year’s event are “way up” from last year.
“We’ve had killer turnout at this thing in the past,” said Williams, who adds that the arena will hold 6,500 spectators. “We had a guy come in today, and he put it well. He said, ‘It’s a fun, safe thing to do on New Year’s Eve that the whole family can come to.’”
So then, what’s the allure of spending New Year’s Eve at this traditional bull-riding event? Williams thinks it’s the excitement of daredevils trying to stay on a bucking bull.
“I think it’s the danger of it,” she said. “There just something about getting on a 1,500-pound wild animal.”
The event will last about two hours, according to Williams, which means it’ll be finished in time for folks to get on with other plans for the final night of 2018.
“Then you’re not competing with parties later in the evening,” she said.
This year’s event will feature between 30 and 45 bull riders, and the competition attracts a good representation of top riders in the area, according to Ashton Wilson, event coordinator for Golden Spike.
“It’s pretty competitive,” Wilson said. “They don’t have a lot of competing events for this time of year, so there’s not a lot of other things for those cowboys to do.”
Monday’s contest will include three go-rounds, followed by what’s called a “short round” to determine the winners.
Advance tickets are $18 for reserved seats, and $14 for general admission. Children are admitted for $6. Ticket prices go up on the day of the event. The indoor arena seats about 6,500 people.
For tickets or more information, visit smithstix.com or call 801-399-8798.
