LAS VEGAS (AP) — Professional Bull Riders say its annual world finals is moving to MGM Resort’s new 20,000-seat arena in November 2016 after spending 17 years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
PBR said Sunday it signed a multi-year agreement to relocate to the arena being built on the Las Vegas Strip by MGM and venue manager AEG. The terms and length of the deal were not disclosed.
PBR says the event started in 1994 at MGM Grand’s Garden Arena before moving in 1999 to UNLV’s larger Thomas & Mack Center where it will still take place Oct. 21-25.
Thomas & Mack director Michael Newcomb says the move wasn’t surprising and wished the group well. He says the event was a good revenue source but “not one that can’t be replaced.”
The new Las Vegas Arena is a state-of-the-art facility with world-class amenities,” said PBR CEO Sean Gleason. “We will remember our history-making years at the Thomas & Mack fondly, but we owe it to our fans and bull riders to create the next chapter in a venue that will enhance the PBR World Finals experience for everyone
“We are excited to bring the ultimate event of the fastest-growing sport in America to the newest venue in Las Vegas. The PBR is an iconic, world-renowned sport, and we are excited to bring its premier event, the Built Ford Tough Series World Finals, to the Las Vegas Arena.”
