CHEW GIVEAWAYS A QUANDARY FOR RODEO ORGANIZERS IN STATE

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 11, 2008 | by JOE PAISLEY

An issue that cost the Greeley Stampede its use of an expensive scoreboard recently is part of a struggle many rodeos across the country face.

It is even more pronounced for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation, which tries to raise as much money as possible for local military family charities through this week's rodeo. Organizers know that a condition for using the free scoreboard is allowing a giveaway tent for the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.

Obviously, plenty of people would like to avoid that, but the financial reality is rodeos are reliant on sponsors and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is one of the biggest.

"It's been a struggle at our level and for the PRCA," said foundation president Rob Alexander. 'They're one of the biggest capital sponsors for our rodeo. How do you walk away from that?"

The June 25-July 6 Greeley Stampede had to since its facility is city owned and the City Council ruled to ban tobacco giveaways within city limits.

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco told the Denver Post in April that the law played a role in the company's decision in Greeley. The company remains as a sponsor but that rodeo was left scrambling for a smaller, low-tech $25,000 scoreboard.

At this week's Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, the two large video scoreboards at both ends of the arena are owned by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco and travel from rodeo to rodeo, including the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo and the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The scoreboards are worth up to $250,000 and are maintained and run by company representatives.

Such a large investment would be impractical for a five-day rodeo, Alexander said.

"People today are so video stimulated," he said. "Rodeos have to have those. If we didn't have those scoreboards, I don't know what we'd do."

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is the world's leading producer and marketer of smokeless tobacco, including popular chews Copenhagen and Skoal.

The company's tent is a considerable presence at the Norris- Penrose Event Center. A man with a microphone urges passers-by to enter to win a motorcycle while young women in Tshirts and chaps encourage people to enter its location by one of the rodeo's main entrances.

There are large signs announcing admittance is restricted to adults 18 years or older. IDs are checked at the door. A number of forms to sign await those who want free samples.

Thursday's results

Reigning world champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi-Pharr led the field of contestants Thursday with a win in 17.59 seconds.

The win moved her into second-place overall behind Nellie Williams after two performances.

Pozzi-Pharr set a National Finals Rodeo record with $253,000 in winnings during the 10-day event last December.

World No. 1 bareback rider Steven Dent rode Hiawatha for 80 points and the win. He moved into third place overall behind Dusty LaValley (85) and Dustin Murray, 81.

Randall Carlisle edged eight-time world champion Joe Beaver 9.0 to 9.1 seconds in tie down roping.

Casey Baize moved into first overall in bull riding with an 88 on Love Shack.

Montana Circuit saddle bronc riders Shane Moran and Shaun Stroh tied with 77s.

Other event winners were Texas team ropers David Key and Kory Koontz and South Dakota steer wrestler Jake Rinehart, 4.4 seconds.