Payoff Revamped At BFI

     RENO, NV — Entries are open through April for the world’s richest one-day Open team roping, June 18 in Reno, Nev.

     Thanks to founder Bob Feist, contestants annually play for a whopping 97 percent of the pot, or roughly half a million dollars. This year, the percentage is the same, but new owners Ullman Peterson Events, LLC, have made a cowboy-friendly change in the format of the paychecks.
     “The contestants wanted to take the money out of the first round and put it all back in the average,” said BFI co-owner Daren Peterson. “Now, everyone who makes the short round gets at least their fees back.”
     The roping formerly paid seven places in the average – with the seventh-place team earning just $1,000 a man. Entry fees cost $2,500 a man. Now, the $27,000 formerly paid out in the first round will help the roping pay eight more places than usual in the average, with 10th through 15th earning $5,000 per team.
     This year, fans who buy a day sheet will be eligible to win the BFI’s 35th Anniversary Priefert chute. Plus, the original framed artwork for the 35th Anniversary of the BFI, created by artist and team roper Tanner Bryson, will be raffled the day of the roping, with 150 signed prints being sold that day.
     Also, the Silver Legacy is offering lower room rates this year. Use code BFI12 when you call 800-6878733 to reserve your room. Watch for the 2012 BFI contestant list, coming in May.