Elko, Nevada – Mark your calendars for the annual Gold Rush Challenge on September 9th, 2023. Get ready to see top bull riders take on some of the rankest bulls. This event is full of adrenaline and will have you on the edge of your seat. Western States Bucking Bull Association (WSBBA) and Benavides Bucking Bull LLC are collaborating in bringing you this extreme event. The event will take place at the Elko County Fairgrounds located at 13 Fairgrounds Rd, Elko, NV 89801. All ages are welcome!
Proud Affiliate
The Gold Rush Challenge continues to be a proud affiliate of the Western States Bucking Bull Association (WSBBA). They are thrilled to provide affordable competition events for bull riders, bulls, and stock contractors in the western states such as Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. They get the opportunity to showcase their talent, and athleticism, and win authentic buckles. Their events bring a spotlight to aspiring young athletes while they show their skills in bull riding and mutton busting.
Champion Bulls
There are champion animal athletes among Benavides Bucking Bulls to look out for. Three top bulls, Firecracker, Triple X, and Chainsaw of Benavides Bucking Bulls have reached elite levels making it to the PBR all while putting the quaint town of Elko on the map. It had been debuted in the nationally televised CBS event Professional Bull Riders (PBR) since 2020. PBR bull rider, Jose Vitor Leme won PBR Teams MVP on their very own animal athlete, Chainsaw last year in 2022.
Benavides Bucking Bulls Team
Benavides Bucking Bulls wouldn’t be what it is today without special thanks to Efren Benavides and Anthony Sandoval. They are the powerhouse behind it all and they continue to create opportunities to support their community of Elko, Nevada. From donating to scholarships, sponsoring local children’s sports teams, fostering economic growth through vendor opportunities at the events, and offering in-person practice opportunities for aspiring rodeo athletes, the Benavides Bucking Bulls team truly cares and continues to work together to give back to their community.
Schedule
Friday, September 8, 2023
- 6:00 PM: Meet & Greet and Bucking Bull Calcutta Pre-Party
- Location: Dreez, 405 Silver St, Elko, NV 89801 (near Stockmen’s Casino)
Saturday, September 9, 2023
*All Saturday events take place at the Elko County Fairgrounds. Location: 13 Fairgrounds Road, Elko, NV 89801
- 9:30 AM: Junior’s, Women’s, and Open 2-Year-Old Futurity Event
- FREE ENTRY
- 4:30 PM: Elko County Fairgrounds Gates Open
- 5:00 PM: Mutton Busting and Mini Bull Riding
- 6:00 PM: 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and Maturity Bucking Bulls Event
- Following Event: Bucking Bulls & Bull-Riders Awards Ceremony
- Following Awards Ceremony: 2023 Gold Rush Dance with Live Band!
- Cowboy Bar (at the Elko County Fairgrounds)
*Bring your appetite! Food and beverages will be available for purchase at concessions.
Credit: Sam Campbell with Eagle Eye Photography
Tickets
- General Admission: $15
- Kids: $5
- Box Seats (6 tickets): $180
Where to Stay
Ramada by Wyndham Elko Hotel at Stockmen’s Casino
Ramada is located only minutes from the Elko Regional Airport (ELK), I-80, and the Elko Fairgrounds at 340 Commercial St, Elko, NV 89801. The hotel offers plenty of free parking, free WiFi internet access, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a business center, and a free breakfast in the restaurant. To reserve your room, call 775-738-5141. Be sure to request the special rate for Gold Rush Challenge!
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
This modern all-suite hotel is less than two miles from the Elko Fairgrounds and Downtown Elko. It is set along I-80 located at 2572 E Jennings Way, Elko, NV 89801. There is complimentary parking, breakfast, and WiFi during your stay. The hotel also offers a 24/7 pantry, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a patio with BBQ facilities. Pets are welcome for a fee. To reserve your room, call 775-234-5354. Be sure to request the special rate for Gold Rush Challenge!
Get ready to take Elko, Nevada by the horns and join us at the Gold Rush Challenge! Purchase your tickets today!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
You must be logged in to post a comment.