26th PBR: Ak-Chin Invitational 2019 Presented By Cooper Tires

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GLENDALE, Arizona – Get ready to welcome the bad boys of bull riding when PBR’s Unleash The Beast Ak-Chin Invitational presented by Cooper Tires takes over the Gila River Arena on January 19 and 20.

Arizona and Navajo Nation fans are set to raise the roof for 20-year-old Cody Jesus. The young gun from Window Rock hasn’t just been dreaming of a season like 2019 has been so far – he’s been seeing it, believing in it and working relentlessly for it since he was the 14-year-old rookie slinging piñon nuts and collecting aluminum cans to cash in for entry fees.

With a legit shot at all the marbles, Jesus bucked off in the championship round at Madison Square Garden earlier this month. Back in his home state, look for him to come back hard. Because it’s home? No. Because it’s this talented, fiercely committed young champion in the making’s way.

“Cody Jesus is a great young man with a bright future with PBR,” Ak-Chin Indian Community Council Member Gabe Lopez said. “He and the rest of the Native American bull riders have instilled pride in all Native American PBR fans.”

On the four-legged contestant side, look for more Native American champions as 8-time PBR Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger’s selection of hot and juicy bucking bulls make their way out of the blizzard in Chicago to relax in Arizona for a few days before exploding under the best the PBR has to offer.

Cooper Tires is more than a time-honored, valued sponsor of the Professional Bull Riders. Their product is depended on for safely transporting the heart and pride of the PBR in all weathers. When the show must go on, count on Cooper Tires. “After more than a century in the tire industry, we know that tires matter and that’s why you should count on Cooper. Safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring your peace of mind.” – Cooper Tires

Photo Courtesy of Bull Stock Media

Lori O'Harver

Lori O'Harver is a woman on a mission to tell the stories of the world without borders known as Bronc Riding Nation. From the vast grasslands the great bucking horses call home to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where good ones buck and the people called to ride them come to make their high flying dreams come true, she writes about the horses and people who feel the spirit of freedom and devote their lives to keeping the legends alive.