Rodeo returns to Cedar Rapids for a 2-day run

CEDAR RAPIDS - The World's Toughest Rodeo's bulls and broncs are back in town tonight and tomorrow at the U.S. Cellular Center looking to start partying right where they left off last year.

Arena officials reported Thursday that good seats are available for both performances. Chutes open at 7:30 both nights with competition in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding as well as cowgirls barrel racing.

The bulls were the stars of the show last year, bucking off eight of 11 cowboys in the qualifying round both nights. Of the four bull riders who made it to last year's final two rounds, only Tyler Stoltz of Cedar Rapids made the eight-second whistle. And he had to post an 86-point ride to pick up his prize money.

Bareback and saddle broncs also kept cowboys on their spurs last year, requiring 88-point scores to win each of the four final rounds assigned to them.

The World's Toughest Rodeo's trademark format features 10 to 12 cowboys competing in a qualifying 'long go” with the top two scorers facing off in a championship 'short go” against two animals with a higher bucking reputation. Judges score both the rider and animal on a scale of 1 to 50 with a maximum score of 100. The two-round format is used both nights, with no carry-over in points.

Cowgirls run their horses around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels with the lowest time winning. Different contestants run each night with all times compared to declare an overall winner. Last year's winning time was 12.62 seconds.

This year's top returning bucking contestants have first names that begin with 'T”: Stoltz in bull riding and Tyler Waltz and Tyrel Nelson in bareback. Waltz is making the longest trek, traveling from Jersey Shore, Penn.

Iowa is the leading home state for bucking contestants with 13 out 34 entries.

Nine cowboys are from Missouri and six from Kansas.

Tickets, starting at $18 for adults with kids at half-price, may be purchased at ticketmaster.com, 1 (800) 745-3000 or at the arena box office.

The event includes a free preshow from 6 to 7 p.m. that includes contestant autographs, pony rides and a 'meet and greet” with a bull named Midnight.