PBR Rides On In Guthrie With New Safety Measures

It's been awhile since we've seen live sports domestically, but that will change this weekend when the Professional Bull Riders organization rides into Guthrie.

While the competition will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network Saturday and Sunday, there will be no fans in the stands. It's one of the many safety precautions the organization is taking.

“Our motto is ‘be cowboy,’ we did anything but be cowboy on this one," PBR CEO Sean Gleason said.

Caution is more the word of choice for Gleason.

With the help of medical professionals, the PBR came up with a 29-page safety plan, which includes living on the grounds in RV’s and practicing social distancing.

“It’s an environment that gives us about 2 acres per person to really spread out and space out,” Gleason said.

Workers will be tested for COVID-19 when they first enter the grounds, along with medical screenings.

Wrist bands are being used to break individuals into functional working groups with none larger than 10.

Also, no one was allowed to stop within 60 miles of Guthrie. For reference, that’s roughly the distance to Noble from Lazy E Arena.

“The chances of us passing on coronavirus or COVID-19 to anybody in the Guthrie area, are virtually impossible,” Gleason said.

A copy of the safety plan was given to state, county and local officials for review prior to the event. Logan County District 1 Commissioner Marven Goodman said the reaction he’s heard from people in the area has mostly been favorable.

“We have received both positive and negative, it’s mostly been very positive, especially when people understand the safety measures,"Goodman said.

Gleason said anyone who violates the safety measures will never work for him again.

The PBR is planning on holding two more events in May at Lazy E Arena.