The inaugural PBR Global Cup will be held at the Oilers' Rogers Place in Edmonton from Nov. 9-11, filling a "new and massive void in Edmonton's so-called western lifestyle itinerary for the first time in four decades," according to Dan Barnes of the EDMONTON JOURNAL. The Canadian Finals Rodeo will be held at Northlands Coliseum "likely at about the same time." The winner of the three-day Global Cup will receive $1M "in prize money." The Oilers Entertainment Group and PBR relationship "blossomed when the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association chose not to work with OEG on an event at Rogers Place." PBR's Global Cup was an "alluring property," owned by WME-IMG, "precisely the kind of world-class outfit with which OEG constantly strives to align itself." OEG is "building a 10-day western lifestyle festival of food and music -- and at least one Oiler game -- around the Global Cup." If that idea "catches fire, both PBR and CFR could profit" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 2/9).
CHERRY ON TOP: BILLBOARD's Andy Gensler reports metal band Warrant has "formed a new partnership" with PBR that "includes a remake of the classic Merle Haggard song, 'I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink' as the organization's new 'party anthem.'" The venture will "include a new video, concerts and band appearances at various PBR events" (BILLBOARD.com, 2/10).
