Big Game to give $1,000 at bull riding event
It’s not everyday one gets a chance to ride a mechanical bull. It may be just as rare to win $1,000 these days.
Well, a lucky female contestant (18 years of age or older) may be able to combine both feats at Big Game Waterfront Grill during the finals of the second Big Bucks Bikini Bull-Riding Tournament this Saturday, beginning at 10 p.m. This particular event is the culmination of 5 weeks of bikini-clad competitors vying for cash and prizes.
That’s no bull!! And, there are big bucks literally.
During those sessions, gals who have either taken first, second, third or fourth place aboard the mechanical bull have moved on to qualify for the finals. They are judged on their control, style and form. Audience appeal comes into play as well.
Each week, the bull riders have competed for $750 in cash and prizes. First place winners have taken home $300 apiece, while second place earns $100 and third and fourth $50 apiece.
“We’ve given out $500 in cash weekly. On top of that, we’ve given out Pirate Ship stowaway passes,” said Big Game General Manager Shawn Myers.
The finalists get to compete for free, but men and women may be able to enjoy two “open bull rides” for $5 if time provides.
For the finals competition, the female bull riders need to wear a bikini top. Each contestant goes through three rounds -warm-up round, judged second round and judged third round- to accumulate points in hopes of placing.
“It’s a ‘sensual’ bull ride,” said Myers. “It’s not a skill bull ride where you try to stay on as long as you can.”
Big Game’s Bikini Bull Riding is not just for the competitors; it can be quite the spectator sport.
“You can’t be ignored when you’re on the bull. It gives you a chance to indulge in your inner exhibitionist and the cash prizes that we offer are just a bonus,” said Dylan Payne, bar manager at Big Game.
At the end of the competition, an awards ceremony will take place.
“Spectators will get to see a number of beautiful girls up on the bull. I believe we will be giving out some Key West Express tickets as well, but that is not confirmed,” said Myers. “We’re looking to get a few more prizes as well.”
Bar patrons can enjoy specials that evening as well. Late night happy hour is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. One can get 99-cent draft beers, $2 22-ounce beers or $5 pitchers. For food, get a 16-inch large pizza for $10 during that time.
“We also have a bunch of flyers out that have $5 coupons attached. Come on in and apply that $5 to your bar tab,” said Myers. “We’ve got cheap beer, beautiful women on a bull and we’re giving away $1,000.”
Big Game had its inaugural bikini bull-riding tournament in July. The concept idea came from Salty Sam’s Marina/ Parrot Key Caribbean Grill/ Big Game Waterfront Grill co-owner Darrell Hanson, who had a mechanical bull in a bar he owned in Wisconsin. Myers searched for a mechanical bull vendor and that person came up with the bikini bull riding idea.
Many may remember bull riding being popularized in 1980, in the movie Urban Cowboy with John Travolta and Debra Winger. Winger’s sexy ride put a new spin on the sport and changed the face of mechanical bull riding forever.
Voted Best Sports Bar in the Fort Myers daily newspaper’s Readers Poll, Big Game Waterfront Grill boasts an amazing view, great sports dcor, 27 flat screen televisions and great food including hand tossed pizzas, sandwiches and big juicy burgers.
The Big Game is located at Salty Sam’s Marina next to Parrot Key Caribbean Grill at 2200 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach right before the bridge. One can come by land or water.
For more information about Big Game Waterfront Grill or Bikini Bull Riding, call 463-3043.