8 minute read
THE WILD WEST UNLEASHES A NEW FRONTIER Introducing
CHAD BESPLUG CEO and President, Alpha Bull
Alpha Bull events are ever-changing, but remain constant in the intelligent lighting, high-profile athletes, tenacious tunes and bulls that add to every performance.
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The Wild West Unleashes A New Frontier Story & Photos by BAR XP Photo
INTRODUCING THE ALPHA BULL – JOHN SCOTT ARENA.
Deep in the heart of cowboy country, the John Scott Arena is in the early stages of an impressive goal. Alpha Bull, widely known for adrenaline pumping, electric, rough-stock events, has set the ball in motion for the continued development of an authentic, legendary venue.
A locally based production and entertainment company, Alpha Bull has a rich history that is rooted in experience and aspiration. They bring a rank renovation to rough-stock productions and promote the longevity of western heritage. Alpha Bull hit the ground running when CEO and President, Chad Besplug aspired to host Professional Bull Riding (PBR) events in large, legitimate venues. In 2016, the rodeo legend put his goal into action when a Calgary Stampede injury led to a lengthy recovery. Besplug’s ultimate goal was to bring a higher return to riders while delivering a show unlike any other. As an experienced and accomplished bull rider, Besplug had a solid understanding of the sport. He also loved the art around producing an engaging, genuine event.
While he had previously hosted an invitational event in Claresholm, AB, Alpha Bull productions soon became the ultimate achievement. With a roster of champions and a unique flavour, Alpha Bull events have since taken the PBR world by storm. Starting in Claresholm, they have produced Alberta events in Calgary, Pollockville, and Tee Pee Creek. In British Columbia, Alpha Bull put on an event in Dawson Creek, and in Saskatchewan, Regina and Moose Jaw also played host to their competitions.
While the aesthetics of an Alpha Bull event are ever-changing, intelligent lighting, high-profile athletes, tenacious tunes and badass bulls, remain constant. In fact, Alpha Bull was a leader in the use of intelligent lighting for bull riding events. The industry hasn’t looked back since! When describing event evolution, Besplug tags the term, “rapid.”
“Each production is unique. The vision for each event changes annually.” Beyond a unique brand that’s gone global, their events are rich in history, considerate of local culture and raw in power. The Alpha Bull team consistently aims to outdo themselves and their latest endeavour is set to be a crowning achievement.
Remaining consistent with development, Alpha Bull recognized the John Scott Arena in Longview, AB, as the next step in event evolution. Besplug notes that, “…the venue is in the hub of cowboy country. It also brings our western community back to its roots.” Besplug describes the facility as both authentic and unique.
COY ROBBINS Camrose, AB Age:21 PBR Canada Rookie of the Year 2017 Team Canada Member PBR Global Cup
From a very young age, Robbins knew that he wanted to ride bulls on TV. His career has been a steady grind and he attributes much of his success to perseverance and a love for the sport of bull riding. He started riding steers when he was nine-years-old and notes that he didn’t make eight seconds until he was roughly 11-years-old. Coming from a rodeo family, Robbins shared it was natural to follow that path. In pin-pointing his motivation, he highlights an overall love of the atmosphere and an appreciation for those around him.
“Alpha Bull has done more for me than I could ever explain. I classify Chad (Besplug) one of my best friends. He started sponsoring me in 2016 and hasn’t left me without great advice since then. His events are phenomenal and so is he,” says Robbins.
In light of the current state of the world, the young bull rider notes that times have been tough for everyone.
When asked what he would like to share with his fans, Coy commented, “Never settle for anything less than what you are capable of. Always push past the hurdles and keep following your passion. Do what you love and love what you do!”
Chad Besplug (left) and John Scott (right) stand in front of an Alpha Bull gate, discussing the evolution of this great venue.
“This venue is as close to the old days, where rodeos would have taken place 100 years ago, as we can get. It truly is one-of-a-kind. We are in the middle of the wild west at a world class venue,” he says.
Typically, most venues of this stature are in a city and many more, indoors. Without reservation, COVID-19 was the perfect storm for Besplug and his team to pivot and adapt. John Scott, the arena’s namesake and iconic member of the western community, mirrored Besplug’s sentiments. He full heartedly supports such a great opportunity.
“Our western way of life is constantly under attack. Opportunities to protect our heritage, safely promote our western way of life and engage youth in the cowboy culture are essential,” Scott comments.
“The future of tomorrow is the youth of today,” he says.
Scott is confident that in order to attract the younger generations and get them going in the right direction, a cultural hub for western events is needed. He recognized Alpha Bull as the perfect fit for the bill. As such, a venue of this nature is both fitting and timely.
Both Besplug and Scott see the current event facility as the start of something big. The John Scott Arena is a central and accessible venue that aims to serve the needs of many. Here, athletes of diverse caliber will be able to participate safely and continue to preserve our western heritage. The future of the facility boasts many appealing opportunities. While the possibilities are endless, key highlights include
JACKSON SCOTT Age: 23 2 X PBR Canada Finalist Team Canada Member - PBR Global Cup
The youngest in a strong ranching and rodeo family, Scott was raised with rodeo flowing through his veins. He started riding bulls in high-school and competed in other rodeo events before and after that time. Making his way to the top wasn’t always easy and Scott attributes his success to dedication and a strong community around him. Watching the late Ty Pozzobon ride bulls while growing-up, certainly inspired Scott to compete and his legacy continues to do the same.
Scott has travelled far and wide for the sport. He has been as far south as Australia. There, he competed in the North Queensland Elite Rodeo, as an invited representative of Canada. Scott is passionate about the sport of bullriding and his quest to remain at the forefront, motivates him daily. As a sponsored rider, Scott notes that “Chad Besplug and the Alpha Bull team have been doing everything they can, during these tough times, to keep us athletes going. It’s guys like Chad who continue to make our sport bigger and better.”
Scott is a positive force on the PBR circuit. He inspires young athletes, in multiple events, whenever possible. Scott would like his fans to remember that, “Your goals tomorrow are achieved by your effort today.”
The new Alpha Bull arena in Longview, AB, boasts immaculate ground and high quality outdoor chutes and arena equipment.
multiple professional events, junior rodeos, all-girl rodeos, and even youth practice sessions.
Plans include building the venue up so multiple events can happen at the same time and specifically, outdoor shows. The entire model is set up to be socially distant for riders and spectators alike and it will move forward as society dictates. Typically, bullriding events don’t happen as an outdoor affair – making the new arena distinctive and ahead of its time. Additionally, an incredible amount of dirt work has gone into the ground and with high quality chutes and fencing that will stay there year-round, the arena is in a league of its own.
What’s better than professional cowboys who are willing and able to support and inspire young athletes, in a first-class environment? Without hesitation, Alpha Bull and John Scott have developed a top-notch facility that is both safe and appealing for athletes and stock alike. The future of the John Scott Arena is electrifying – both Besplug and Scott remain passionate about its positive impact on the western way of life.
Although private, the latest Alpha Bull events, held at the John Scott Arena over the summer, were an electric preview of what the future has in store. Some of the greatest athletes around christened the new facility with a vibrant, soon-to-be-televised performance that will quench Alpha Bull fans’ thirst for action. Highlights from The Alpha Bull Powered by 2W event have already begun to flood social media.
Jackson Scott and Coy Robbins, Alpha Bull sponsored riders who were in attendance, can attest to the support that Alpha Bull has given them. These young men are keen role models for up-and-coming athletes. They are also amped to be back in action. Besplug assures that Alpha Bull fans can look forward to events that are better than ever. While unable to open recent events to the public, Alpha Bull encourages their fans to stay tuned. The wild-west has unleashed a new frontier.
