PBR Expects Future Jump In Profit

Organizers believe the Professional Bull Riders event generated at least $12 million for the city and they expect that number to jump drastically next year. The News On 6's Chris Wright reports this weekend marked the last time a PBR event will be held at the Convention Center. It moves to the bigger BOK Center next year and organizers hope that will translate to more money.

The Professional Bull Riders Association already knows how to put on a show. There's the pyrotechnics, complete with riders who enter the arena through a ring of fire.

The Tulsa stop on the tour was sold out during its three-day stint in town, and drew fans from across the country. The Harrisons traveled all the way from Wyoming.

"First time either one of us have been here, so we're really enjoying it," said Roger Harrison.

The PBR is banking on not bucking this trend when it heads to the 18,000 seat BOK in 2009, and believes the Invitational has the potential to make many more millions in the much-larger arena.

Organizers say three days of sellout crowds at the Convention Center has been great, but they expect things to be even bigger and better when things move over to the BOK next year.

"This is really awesome, and people walk out here, and go wow that was a show, that was entertaining.  Wait until they see it next year," said Tulsa Oilers Owner Jeff Lund.

"We're excited about it. We think there's nothing but great potential.  We think it will be a great economic factor for the city," said PBR CEO Randy Bernard.

As if the flame-breathing bull and high-flying cowboys aren't enough, organizers say this event is actually scaled down. But when it moves to the bigger venue, the PBR promises not to hold anything back.

"The show that we have here is a smaller version of what they really can bring to town, and in a larger arena setting, they'll bring everything," said Lund.

They are still tallying the numbers, but officials believe the invitational may have set attendance records for an event at the Convention Center. The PBR says it did not have enough seats to meet demand this year and it's confident it can sell out the BOK next year.