Some of the best rodeo competitors in the land will be performing on screen when the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo moves into the virtual space to broadcast Australia's first virtual rodeo this Saturday night, August 8 from 6pm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo CEO Natalie Flecker said it had been a massive task to take the biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere from its famous red dirt Mount Isa arena to a completely online event which will broadcast live and free this weekend via its website.
Ms Flecker said the rodeo attracted just under 100 nominations in all 16 events, including Open, 2nd Division and Junior from Australia's top rodeo athletes plus some international rides.
"Every year we are privileged to welcome Australia's finest rodeo athletes into our arena who thrill our rodeo fans with their skill, professionalism, horsemanship and bravery," Ms Flecker said. "This year we asked them to send in videos of their best rides and are thrilled we have competitors including bareback champion Jamie Howlett, currently ranked third in the world; current New Zealand champion cowboy Tim Costello and the most incredible Open Bull Ride field you could hope for."
RELATED NEWS: Rodeo Queen reign extended until 2021
Ms Flecker said it was an exciting prospect as the two hour Mount Isa Mines Virtual Rodeo broadcast will potentially reach a global audience far beyond a physical event forced to cancel this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Virtual Rodeo will feature a mix of rodeo action (from videos sent in by competitors from around Australia and overseas), interviews with rodeo champions, stunning Outback Queensland scenery and live performances by three big acts, Lee Kernaghan, Nashville-based O'Shea and and Casey Barnes who will perform live as part of the show.
The 2020 Mount Isa Mines Virtual Rodeo can be viewed free via www.isarodeo.com.au from 6pm AEST Saturday, August 8.
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
