HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) - The Hoover Met is hosting its first-ever bull riding competition. 31 bull riders were invited to compete at Bulls at the Ballpark.
Organizers say the grass makes for a good show as the bulls are likely to buck harder on it.
"This caliber of bull riders that I’ve brought in, I mean you couldn’t ask for more. It’s a great night at the ballpark," Bulls at the Ballpark producer Ryan Davis said. "Come get you a drink, get you a hotdog and enjoy the ballpark atmosphere and watch some western sports, watch bull riders.”
While the Hoover Met is known for being the home of the SEC Baseball Tournament, it hosts a multitude of other events like football and band competitions.
"It’s really about bringing the community together and doing something different. Just the camaraderie and having fun," Hoover events manager Kelly Peoples said. "[Bull riding] was done at a stadium out in Texas and so we thought it would be fun to bring it to Hoover.”
This might be the first time the Hoover Met hosts bull riding, but event organizers and the city hope enough people are interested that it can become an annual event.
“I was forced to but now that I’m out here, it’s really funny to watch them get bucked off,” Hoover resident Foster Dudley said.
“I thought it would be interesting and I’ve never been to like a rodeo before,” Hoover resident Jayden Evans said.
“I love it. We raise bulls at home, we’ve got bucking bulls there," former bull rider Sheldon Isom said. "My kid’s here and they’re about to go to him so I’m about to watch.”
Though the fans are having a good time, not everyone is ready to ride themselves.
“I’m not getting punctured by a horn.”
The city has more big plans for the Hoover Met to meet the expectations of residents.
"Could we maybe see concerts one day here or anything like that?”
“That’s definitely been talked about, I will say that as a little teaser, but nothing in pen, yet,” Peoples said.
If you missed out on the fun Friday night, Bulls at the Ballpark will be back at the Hoover Met on Saturday and the winner be crowned. More information can be found on the website HERE.