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PCB Tour comes to Quincy
Posted: 03.20.2009 at 2:03 PM
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Will boost local economy, and crowd at civic center
Quincy, IL-- It took 65 tons or 1.3 million pounds of dirt to turn the Quincy Civic Center into an arena fit for bull riding, it also takes..."A lot of work, a lot of people, and a lot of manhours," said Quincy Civic Center Executive Director Rob Ebbing.
The Professional Championship Bull riding tour made a stop in Quincy last year, and will make its return again this weekend, which businesses welcome with open arms.
Ebbing says, "It's a good event for Quincy. There's people coming from out of town staying in hotels, they're eating and shopping before they come to the event. So every little bit adds up and helps the economy."
Not only does it take a lot to transform the civic center, but it takes a lot to put on the show. There's the bull fighter who protects the riders from the bulls, of course there's the bull rider, and there's the entertainment, which is a family act.
"This is what I've done for 25 years, and ever since he's learned to talk, he's wanted to do this," said Ryan Rodriguez along with his 3-year-old son Rad.
And you don't have to fit the mold of a cowboy to enjoy this sport, it draws all walks of life, and there's always something for everyone.
"A lot of people from the city, from different countries are all involved in it....There will be 30 to 35 top bull riders from across the country. It'll be action packed," said Chris Littlejohn, who's been riding bulls professionally for 25 years.
That means for those with front row seats, you're in for a mudslinging good time.
The event starts at Friday night at 7:30pm. It continues on March 21 at 7:30pm as well. Tickets are available at the door.