Professional Bull Riders Set To Paint Tulsa Pink

The city is going pink this weekend, with the color being sported by some of the toughest men in sports.

It's the ninth year Professional Bull Riders has come to Tulsa, and this weekend, the lights on the BOK Center will be pink, for the partnership between PBR and Turn Tulsa pink.

And we spoke with some of the organizers, who say real men aren't afraid to wear pink.

From the time the chute opens, the goal is to stay on one of the 1,800-pound monsters for eight seconds. Most riders don't last that long.

Douglas Duncan makes his living that way, and knows that adrenaline-filled window could have a far greater impact than what goes on a score card this year.

"I'll find someway to get pink on me, we all will," Duncan said.

PBR has partnered with Turn Tulsa Pink, in hopes of spreading cancer awareness, not just in Tulsa, but on national television.

Riders will visit cancer patients in the hospital and will sport pink bandanas while they ride.

"It shows the world these guys are brave enough to get on a bull, but they're brave enough to wear pink as well," Duncan said.

The stage is still taking shape, but for two days, the arena will be filled with dozens of bucking bulls and 35 of the world's best bull riders.

The floor of the BOK arena is roughly 13,000 square feet, and in order to get it ready for the riders this weekend the dirt has to be eight inches thick. In order to accomplish that, they'll bring in around 750 tons of dirt.

The stands may be empty, but cancer survivor Judi Grove hopes to see a sea of pink this weekend, especially on Saturday, during Paint Tulsa Pink Night.

Along with the pink lights at the BOK Center, pink bracelets and t-shirts will be sold at the front door. There's also a silent auction that includes a cast iron bull signed by the riders.

"This city just really jumped on my pink bandwagon," Grove said.

And in case you think you're too manly to wear pink.

"Pink is just a color, I'm pretty confident in my masculinity," Duncan said.

As for Grove: "I've never met a man in pink I didn't like," she said.

The weekend will feature the bull "Bushwhacker," who has a record 43 straight "knock-offs."

The event will be Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $15.

Go here for more information.