The Buckin' K Bull Bash is gearing up for its second annual event, this time at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, Texas, on Oct. 19. After last year’s successful debut drew more than 1,000 attendees to a private property, organizer Kinslee Looney said a larger venue was necessary to accommodate the growing interest and ensure a smooth experience for participants and spectators.
“Last year, we were on a friend’s property, and while it was a great turnout, we ran out of parking and space overall,” Looney said. “Moving to the Coliseum gives us more room for both the crowd and the stock, and it’s in a more public location, so more people can find out about the Bull Bash.”
The new venue at the Coliseum, known for hosting large-scale events, will offer additional seating, more parking, and better facilities for bull riders and their livestock. Looney said she believes the move will also enhance the overall experience for attendees.
“We’ve learned a lot from last year, and one big takeaway was that you need to keep the attendees entertained,” Looney said. “This year, even when the arena isn’t active, we’ll have music, shopping, and food options to keep people engaged. We’ve also added a live band after the performance so folks can stick around and enjoy some dancing.”
The 2024 Bull Bash will feature $5,000 in cash and prizes for top competitors, which Looney said has drawn attention from bull riders across the region.
“The riders go where the money is,” Looney said. “Offering that prize amount makes this a serious event for competitors, and we’ve had a great response.”
A highlight of this year’s event will be the costume celebrity steer riding, which adds a unique twist to the lineup. The event, scheduled just ahead of Halloween, invites participants to dress up and ride in costumes, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed rider.
“It’s a fun event anyone can participate in, even if they aren’t professional riders,” Looney said. “We’ll be taking the first 10 people to sign up, and it’s always a crowd favorite.”
Looney hopes to continue expanding the Buckin’ K Bull Bash in the future, with a vision of turning it into a yearly event at the Coliseum.
“It’s been heartwarming to see how much this event has grown, and I can’t do it without the support of our community and sponsors,” she said.