The Bill Pickett Invitational Finals Rodeo rides into Las Vegas at the South Point Equestrian & Event Center, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV with three regular shows on Friday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 10th at 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm. The Bill Pickett Invitational Finals Rodeo is making its rodeo debut in Las Vegas after celebrating over 24 years of rodeo entertainment across the United States.


A special "Rodeo for Kidz Sake" takes place on Friday, November 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for schools, churches, summer camps and organizations.


The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo tours from February through November each year across the country including the cities of Memphis, Atlanta, Houston, San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Denver, Bakersfield, Washington DC, St. Louis and Kansas City.


Don't miss this historical, fun-filled event for a weekend of excitement, featuring African-American cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in seven different rodeo events to be crowned the 2007 champions. Featured events include Calf Ropin', Bareback Ridin', Ladies Barrel Racin', Jr. Barrel Racin', Bull Doggin, Ladies Steer Undercoatin' and Bull Ridin'.


Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is a powerful tool Mr. Vason uses in his goal of educating people on the Black West experiences and of the cultural pride associated with all of the contributions made by African Americans. History notes that one out of every six cowboys was African American; therefore, the BPIR is a fitting tribute to Black cowboys and cowgirls nationwide.


The BPIR is named after William "Bill" Pickett, who was the creator of bulldoggin'. Bill Pickett would race on his horse to catch a steer, and then leap out of his saddle to gram the steer's head and twist it slowly toward the sky. He would overpower the animal by sinking his teeth into the steer's upper lip. Bull dogging is the only rodeo event that is traced back to its inventor.


Bill Pickett was a star attraction on the rodeo and Wild West Circuit for more than 15 years, after the turn of the century. He was honored posthumously 40 years after his death in 1972, with an induction into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. In 1989, Bill was inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and in 1996, he was the first Rodeo Athlete inducted into the Black Cowboy Walk of Fame in Denver, Colorado.


The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo offers attendees a unique look at some of today's hottest African-American cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States as they compete to determine who the 2007 champions will be. This rodeo represents the best- of- the best cowboys and cowgirls who have mastered needed skills to compete in the Bill Pickett Invitational Finals Rodeo.


The rodeo is a sport that challenges the mental ability and wit, and physical stamina of its participants like no other sport. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.


Why not make the rodeo a family weekend and enjoy a complete cultural experience done Black American style..


· Attend the special "Rodeo for Kidz Sake" (pre-purchased special group sales only) on Friday, November 9th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas


· Attend the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on Friday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m.and Saturday, November 10th at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas.


Rodeo tickets can be purchased at the South Point Hotel and Casino Box office or on-line at TicketAnnex.com or southpointcasino.com


For the regular rodeo, additional information, sponsorships, group & ticket sales


Contact: Lu Vason at 303-373-1246 or 1-866-LETS RODEOor visit our website at www.billpickettrodeo.com.


South Point Hotel and Casino