PUEBLO, Colo. – Cody Nance, the No. 7 ranked bull rider in the world, has already clinched a spot at the 2018 PBR World Finals on Nov. 7-11. Nevertheless, before he turns his focus to Las Vegas, he has some business to attend to a little bit closer to home.
Nance is bringing two nights of bull riding to Jackson, Tennessee, with the inaugural Cody Nance Invitational Touring Pro Division event on Friday and Saturday.
A native of Paris, Tennessee, Nance will be doing more than just hosting the event for his hometown crowd.
He’ll be riding for charity.
“I am excited to be riding amongst my hometown crowd this weekend in Jackson, Tennessee,” Nance said. “I will not be competing in the event alongside the other great riders that that will be there, but my ride will be a benefit ride. For every second I stay on Friday night, I will donate $500 to WSF (Western Sports Foundation) and Saturday night the benefit will go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.”
If Nance successfully makes the 8 seconds aboard both bulls, each charity could earn $4,000.
The field is highlighted by No. 27 Koal Livingston and No. 33 Gage Gay.
Gay is in a tight battle to qualify for the World Finals and will be in search of every point possible to maintain his Top 35 ranking with the Finals two weeks away.
Meanwhile, the field will also include many up-and-coming riders, including 2017 National High School Finals Rodeo champion Trey Holston and current No. 1 rider in the TPD standings Andrew Alvidrez.
The Touring Pro Division is where Nance cut his teeth, competing at the TPD level for two years before making the leap to the PBR’s premier series in 2009. He won the Rookie of the Year title that year and has since qualified for the PBR World Finals in each of his subsequent eight seasons.
“I started my career competing in PBR Touring Pro events, so to be able to host one and give other young riders the opportunity to compete and grow within our sport is surreal,” Nance said.
Nance will head into the World Finals with some momentum, having gone 2-for-3 at the DEWALT Guaranteed Tough Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, the last 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast event of the regular season.
He trails world No. 1 Kaique Pacheco by 2,788.33 points.
Tickets for the Cody Nance Invitational are still available. Action begins at 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday and Saturday at the Oman Arena in Jackson.
“I am thankful for everyone who has had a part in helping this event come together,” Nance said. “I hope you all enjoy the show.”