FORT WORTH, Texas ― The "unknown" is what excites stock contractor Brad Boyd most when he talks about the 4th Annual Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Cowtown Classic Bull Riding, which kicks off Friday night at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.

"You don't know what bulls are going to jump out there and be superstars," said Boyd, who with longtime partner Toby Floyd is hosting the two-night event which features many of the best 3- and 4-year-olds that American Bucking Bull Inc. has to offer. "It's the beginning of a new year, it's a brand new set of bulls and it's a great opportunity to see what this new crew of bulls looks like."

The Cowtown Classic is the first ABBI event of the 2013 campaign, as well as a key stop on the PBR's Lucas Oil Touring Pro Division series.  Between 65 and 70 ABBI contractors will supply 90 bulls for the event, which gets under way at 7:30 both nights.

While the "unknown" aspect of the event is certainly intriguing, the history that precedes the Cowtown Classic Bull Riding is equally compelling.

"We are right in the most historic part of Fort Worth, Texas," Boyd said. "It's where the original PBR bull riding was held. "You can walk around and see some great old-time stuff, when we were just twinkles in our parents' eyes."

The Cowtown Coliseum has hosted countless memorable events over the years, and is a favorite venue for riders and fans alike.

 "You don't know what bulls are going to jump out there and be superstars."

"It's really close, really tight," Boyd said. "When there's 3,000 people in there, it feels like your sitting in Texas Stadium with 90,000 people."

Before and after the competition, fans are within walking distance of great shopping, five-star restaurants and plush hotels, Boyd said.

"There's absolutely something for everyone," Boyd said.

Several of the PBR's top riders will compete at the event as they attempt to chalk up points toward qualifying to compete on the Built Ford Tough Series and qualify for the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.

Some of those top bull riders entered include Mike Lee, Austin Meier, Skeeter Kingsolver, Sean Willingham, L.J. Jenkins, Chase Outlaw, Cord McCoy and Reese Cates.

"I always like to get those big-name riders," Boyd said. "We'd love to see people in there, yelling and screaming and having a good time."

Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, and by telephone at (888) Cowtown (269-8696).

Professional Bull Riders Lucas Oil
Touring Pro Series Event Results:

Dec. 22 at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio

Final Results

1. Sterling Furr, 85.50 points.

2. Jason Malone, 84 points.

3. Wrangler Dunda, 82 points.