PBR Taking One Of Four Majors To Nashville This Year, Signaling Commitment To City

The PBR Built Ford Tough Series is bringing one of its four major events to Bridgestone Arena in August in a move "that signals the group's commitment to Nashville," according to Nate Rau of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. PBR plans to "host a major event" in the city in '16, '17 and '18. This year's Music City Knockout will take place Aug. 19-20, and the "bracket-style knockout tournament is the only one of its kind" on the BFTS schedule. PBR CEO Sean Gleason said that governing body is "planning to work with local corporate partners, including Boot Barn and Jack Daniel's, in order to 'keep a consistent, year-round presence in the Nashville community.'" The organization has "also hired a marketing executive who will be based in Nashville." Rau noted the move to Nashville "comes as PBR's popularity has been growing." The tour "has broken 10 attendance records" in '16, and TV ratings are up 20% this year. Additionally, the Music City Knockout "will feature a free outdoor festival" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 6/2).