IT's PBR AUSTRALIA FINALS WEEK - MEDIA OPPORTUNITY this THURSDAY

PBR AUSTRALIA

MEDIA INVITATION: THIS THURSDAY -

THE BIGGEST NAMES IN BULL RIDING RIDE INTO TOWNSVILLE!

WHAT: Official media opportunity ahead of the 2026 PBR Australia Grand Finals

WHEN: Thursday 12 November 2026 | 12 noon

WHERE: The Ville, Splash Bar Lawns

Australia's best bull riders, international competitors, the reigning Australian Champion, a world-famous rodeo entertainer and local leaders will come together on Thursday ahead of two massive nights of PBR action.

It’s FINALS WEEK and the countdown is on to the 2026 PBR Australia Grand Finals, taking over the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre this Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14.

With Australia's coveted Gold Buckle, a $100,000 championship bonus and national bragging rights on the line, the country's best bull riders will be joined by international stars returning from the American circuit for two nights of spectacular action.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY – ATTENDING AND AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:

Glen Young – Managing Director, PBR Australia: The man behind Australian professional bull riding, available to discuss the extraordinary international field, the championship showdown and the growth of the sport.
Nick Dametto – Mayor of Townsville: Available to discuss the significance of hosting the national Grand Finals, the event's contribution to Townsville's economy and the city's reputation as a major sporting events destination.
Chelsea Cavanah – Director – Major Event Acquisition, Townsville Enterprise: Available to discuss the importance of major events in attracting visitors, filling accommodation and supporting the regional tourism.
Kurt Shephard – Mareeba, Queensland: The reigning Australian Champion and current national No.1 returns to Townsville determined to defend his Gold Buckle and claim back-to-back Australian titles.
Callum Miller – Warwick, Queensland: The internationally accomplished Australian bull rider returns from the United States, where he competes for the Austin Gamblers in the elite PBR Teams league, bringing world-class experience to the Grand Finals.
Boston Leather – Calliope, Queensland: The 2024 Australian Champion and Rookie of the Year returns home from the United States, where he rides for the Kansas City Outlaws, ready to take on Australia's toughest bulls.
Matt Merritt – International rodeo entertainer: The award-winning American rodeo clown and barrelman, and 2025 PRCA Clown of the Year, brings his legendary comedy, outrageous antics and larger-than-life personality to the Townsville arena.
Hayes Weight – Utah, USA: The American cowboy has already made his mark on Australian soil, winning in Mackay and finishing equal second at Tamworth, and now has his sights set on the biggest event on the Australian calendar.

** All representatives will be available for interviews, photographs and news vision ahead of the opening night of the Grand Finals, with a surprise planned!

EVENT DETAILS

2026 PBR Australia Grand Finals

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November 2026

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre

Tickets: www.pbraustralia.com.au

ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA

Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings —which also owns UFC and WWE— has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide. In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes. For more information, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au.

For media information, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]

Contact details:

Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]