SAINT PAUL, Minn. -World's Toughest Rodeo™ rides back into Saint Paul for two thrilling shows Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6, 2016 at Xcel Energy Center starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 16 at noon at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Group rates (12+) are also available by calling 651-312-3486. Tickets start at $18 for adults and $10.25 for

kids 12 and under.

The popular "Party on the Dirt," featuring rising country star Granger Smith, will take place following Saturday night's rodeo action. Granger Smith sold-out national tours, has a social media following of more than three million and YouTube views nearing 30 million. His last album "Dirt Road Driveway," debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Chart, and his latest album "4X4," introduced the single, "Backroad Song," which sold over 32,000 downloads in its first week of release. Granger's country boy alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., has his own rabid following and has garnered him a weekly segment called "Dip 'Em and Pick 'Em" on CBS Sports' Inside College Football.

K102 contest winners get access to the dirt dance, but all rodeo fans are welcome to stay and enjoy the live entertainment.

World's Toughest Rodeo showcases champion cowboys from around the United States competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding or bull riding, while the ladies will be vying for the championship title in barrel racing. The top two in each event will return for a second time to go head-to-head to determine the night's champion. Before the rodeo each night, fans are invited to come early to meet some of the competing cowboys and the rodeo clown. Fans will also have an opportunity to get autographs and photos with these real life cowboys. The first 500 children (12 and under) Friday night will receive a free cowboy hat.

Back by popular demand for the 2016 Tour is Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey. World's Toughest Rodeo will feature the wild and western cowboy primate atop his Border Collie mount Boogie as they round up wild Barbados sheep. Whiplash has entertained crowds at rodeos and special events all across North American and Europe. He is a fan-favorite for all ages.

In addition, world-renowned trick roper turned announcer Anthony Lucia will also return to the World's Toughest Rodeo in 2016. The 30-year old cowboy from Weatherford, Texas, is the son of famous rodeo star and animal trainer Tommy Lucia. Anthony started trick roping when he was nine, and has since gone on to perform at events throughout the country. He was featured on season five of NBC's "America's Got Talent." In recent years Anthony has transitioned into a rodeo announcer explaining the sport to fans across the country. He hosts a live talk show during the "Superbowl" of rodeo - the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas each December.

There is something for everyone - from top cowboys on the famous World's Toughest bulls and horses to the fast barrel racing cowgirls to the wild antics of the rodeo clowns. It's the World's Toughest Rodeo - an exciting spectacle families won't soon forget!

EVENT: World's Toughest Rodeo
"Party on the Dirt" featuring Granger Smith Saturday after the rodeo

DATE: Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6
7:30 p.m. both nights

TYPE: Rodeo / Concert

TICKETS: $18 / $23 / $33 / $48 / $82

Kids 12 and under start at $10.25**

$5 Adult Discount for Advance Friday Night Purchase***

Groups (12+) call 651-312-3486

*Prices increase $2 day of show for Sat. rodeo **No discounts for Gold Buckle Seating

***24 hours prior to event - close of business on Thursday, Feb. 4

ON SALE: Friday, Oct. 16 at noon

DETAILS: Tickets are available at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone using Ticketmaster TDD/TTY, call 800-359-2525. Certain fees may apply.

PR CONTACTS

Jora Bart

651-312-3498

Ellen McNair

651-265-4819

RODEO CONTACT

Ann Bleiker

719-330-4293