AMERICAN ROYAL TO CONDUCT FIRST BUSINESSMEN’S STEER CHALLENGE DURING RODEO

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The American Royal ProRodeo has found a new fan-favorite event.

The 2014 rodeo will feature the inaugural Businessmen’s Steer Challenge, which will have a preliminary round during the Friday, Sept. 26, performance of the American Royal ProRodeo at Hale Arena.

The top two teams from Friday will then advance to the finale during the second performance, which will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, where they will be matched against a team from Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division.

“This is going to be an exciting new event I think everyone will love,” said Mariner Kemper, chairman of the American Royal and participant in the challenge. “Friday night of the rodeo is corporate night, and what is a better way than having your colleagues cheer you on as you get an opportunity to show your cowboy skills. I think the audience will have a greater appreciation for the professional cowboys and how easy they make it look,”

The Businessmen’s Steer Challenge will feature 12 two-person teams. One will hold onto a lead rope attached to the steer, while the other ties a ribbon around the animal’s tail. The first team to complete the task and cross the finish line is the winner.

“I think everyone should come out and see the fun,” Kemper said. “Even I am going to compete; it will be a great event that I plan on winning.”

In addition to the Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division and Kemper/Bichelmeyer teams, others will be sponsored by the BOTAR’s, Hilton Garden Inn, Kennedy & Cole LLC, Cerner Corp., Sprint, Livestock Marketing Association, Conway Farms, Raphael Group and Commerce Bank.