BILLINGS — Post peelings and fresh dirt are expected to make a big difference when the chutes open Thursday night at Rodeo Billings.
David Allen, Northern International Livestock Exposition general manager, said crews hauled in several semi loads of post peelings and soaked them down to create better arena conditions.
"They start to bond in and form a mat, if you will. They hold the moisture better and there's not dust," Allen told MTN Sports.
"All the dirt was taken out of here, re-screened … and more dirt put in. Dirt is a big deal in a rodeo arena, and it certainly is in the timed events, especially."
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Contestants will also see better lighting around the pens, and fans should notice a new concert-quality sound system.
Legendary announcer Bob Tallman was set to return to the P.A. system after working the event last summer, but a foot injury is keeping him away.
"Doctors have not cleared him to walk on it yet, so he's making his wife's life miserable for a while," Allen joked.
Garrett Allen will handle the microphone in Tallman's absence, and Tate Rhoads returns as entertainer.
The contestant lineup features NFR-caliber cowboys and cowgirls alongside quality roughstock.
"When you have J-Bar-J and Pickett Rodeo, you feel pretty confident you're going to get quite a few bronc riders," David Allen said.
That confidence proved out — 98 saddle bronc riders entered for just 36 positions.
"Lefty Holman, you've got Zeke Thurston, Sage Newman who is our defending champion here. There's three Wright brothers," David Allen said. “We've got Brittany Tonozzi and Lisa Lockhart in the barrels. Brittany is a world champion three times, and Lisa the winningest barrel racer ever."
World champions Haven Meged and his wife Shelby are both entered, as well, according to David Allen. In all, Rodeo Billings drew more than 460 entries for this week's event.
David Allen said ticket sales are running ahead of last year but added that plenty of walk-up tickets will be available for the 7 p.m. performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
