Australia’s top 100 rodeo stars kicked off the opening night of the Jupiters Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo last night at the Convention Centre.

The four day event is the grand finale of the Australian Professionals Rodeo Association season and is deemed the pinnacle of rodeo events in Australia.

APRA chief executive Steve Hilton said the event is a showcase for the sport.

“The best of the best of Australia’s professional rodeo riders come to compete here in Australia’s richest rodeo,” he said.

“This is certainly not your typical outback rodeo. It has all the flair and extravaganza of mini Las Vegas style of production and more than 10,000 people will watch the best of the best battle for national titles.”

“During the rodeo the Convention Centre will house 85 bucking horses, 40 bucking bulls, 80 cattle used for timed events, 80 competition horses, 10 rodeo livestock producers, 50 staff who care for the animals and 15 officials who work within the arena during the rodeo.

Rodeo spokesman Marshall Hall said the opening night had been a great success.

“This is the first time the event has been held in June and it was a great first night,’’ said Mr Hall.

“Our attendance numbers tonight were better than last year and our advance ticket sales for our weekend sessions are already looking good.

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