National Finals for NFPB Bull Riding This Weekend

The Matthewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds will host the National Finals for the National Federation of Professional Bull Riders on December 1-2.

"Sedalia is unlike any town of its size that I know of. It's kind of become bull riding town America. It's the perfect community for it," said NFPB President Clint Jackson. "And the facilities here, you can't ask for any more. The Matthewson Center, when you put people in that facility and they get excited, you feel like you're in an 18,000-20,000 person facility and it's roarin', you just can't ask for any more."

The Bull Riding Finals will include the NFPB's Top 25 riders competing for the championship title. "The guy that wins the whole thing walks out with a big, fat wallet. He gets the Federation Cup, which is a custom-designed trophy cup that we've had done for years, he gets a gold buckle, and he gets the title. It is a prestigious title," said Jackson.

There will be a special opportunity for fans to meet the bull riders before the event gets underway on Saturday night. "When the doors are getting ready to open, all the finalist contestants are going to come through the front, where they can meet the people and get up close and have a meet-and-greet with them. If you want to get there early, get up there and line up and meet these guys."

Bull riding will take place beginning at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 5:30. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults, and $8 for children.