Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls: Where Courage Meets the Dirt in Union, Oregon

The PRCA's premier bull riding event returns to Eastern Oregon for an adrenaline-packed showdown

When the summer sun begins to warm the rolling hills of Eastern Oregon, the small town of Union transforms into the epicenter of one of bull riding's most electrifying events. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to present the 2025 Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls, returning to the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show grounds on June 5, 2025, for an unforgettable night of man-versus-beast competition that has become a cornerstone of the Columbia River Circuit.

The Legacy Continues

The Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls isn't just another stop on the PRCA tour—it's a testament to the enduring spirit of rodeo in America's rural communities. Named after local rodeo legend Ed Miller, whose contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the region, this event honors the traditions of the past while showcasing the evolution of bull riding as one of rodeo's most dynamic disciplines.

"What makes the Ed Miller special is how it brings together the entire community," says PRCA Commissioner Tom Collins. "From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel the history and passion that's been building here for generations. It's more than a competition—it's a celebration of Western heritage."

The Competition: Eight Seconds of Truth

As the sun begins its descent behind the Blue Mountains on June 5, forty of the nation's top bull riders will strap themselves to 1,800 pounds of twisting, turning bovine dynamite. The format is straightforward but unforgiving: one night, one ride, eight seconds to glory.

The $15,000 purse attracts elite talent from across the country, all vying for crucial points toward the National Finals Rodeo qualification. Last year's champion, Tanner Holden, scored an impressive 91 points on the formidable "Smokescreen," a bull that had previously bucked off 18 consecutive riders.

Stock contractor Flying Diamond Rodeo Company returns with their championship pen of bulls, including fan favorites "Tornado Warning," "Bone Crusher," and "Eastern Express"—a bull born and raised in Union County that has developed a reputation for explosive buck-offs that send cowboys soaring.

"These aren't just any bulls," explains Flying Diamond owner Jake Peterson. "Each one has been carefully selected and bred for this level of competition. They're athletes in their own right, and they know their job is to make those eight seconds feel like an eternity."

The judging follows PRCA's established criteria: 50 points possible for the bull's performance and 50 points for the rider's technique, control, and style. It's this balanced scoring system that makes bull riding not just a test of courage, but a showcase of technical skill and strategic thinking.

The Arena Experience: More Than Just Bull Riding

While the competition forms the heart of the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls, the PRCA has worked closely with local organizers to create a comprehensive fan experience that begins long before the first chute opens.

The Eastern Oregon Livestock Show grounds, affectionately known as "EOLS" to locals, transforms into a festival atmosphere beginning at 3:00 PM. The historic venue, with its classic wooden grandstands and intimate setting, places spectators remarkably close to the action—close enough to feel the ground shake when a bull explodes from the chute.

"There's something special about watching bull riding at EOLS," says three-time NFR qualifier Brady Wilson. "The crowd energy is incredible. They're knowledgeable fans who understand what they're watching, and when you make a good ride, that roar is something you never forget."

Fans can enjoy a variety of food vendors offering everything from classic fairground favorites to local specialties like huckleberry ice cream and Eastern Oregon beef. The PRCA merchandise booth will feature exclusive Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls gear, alongside vendor booths showcasing Western wear, custom leather goods, and rodeo equipment.

Entertainment begins well before the main event, with the legendary rodeo clown Johnny "Backflip" Johnson providing laughs and thrills throughout the evening. His protection team of bullfighters—the unsung heroes who put themselves between fallen riders and angry bulls—includes PRCA veterans Mike Thompson and Casey Jones, whose athletic prowess and split-second decision-making have saved countless cowboys from disaster.

For families, the Kid's Corral opens at 4:00 PM, featuring mechanical bull rides for children, face painting, and meet-and-greet opportunities with PRCA personalities. The PRCA's NextGen program will also be on-site, introducing young fans to the fundamentals of rodeo and its deep connections to agricultural heritage.

Securing Your Seat: Ticket Information

Mark your calendars: Tickets for the 2025 Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls go on sale April 5, 2025, right here on this webpage.

The PRCA anticipates high demand for this single-night event, with previous years selling out weeks in advance. When tickets become available, fans will have several options to choose from:

• General Admission: $25 for adults, $15 for children (ages 6-12), free for children under 6
• Reserved Seating: $40 per ticket, offering premium views from sections A-C
• VIP Experience: $75 per ticket, including reserved parking, pre-event reception with competitors, exclusive merchandise, and premium seating in the first five rows

Special discounts will be available for military personnel (15% off with valid ID), seniors (10% off), and groups of 10 or more (10% off total purchase).

"We've structured the ticket options to make this event accessible for everyone," explains event coordinator Sarah Martinez. "Whether you're bringing the whole family on a budget or looking for the premium experience, there's a price point that works."

When tickets go live on April 5, they can be purchased directly through this website, eliminating service fees that often accompany third-party vendors. Mobile ticketing will be the primary delivery method, though print-at-home options will remain available for those who prefer a physical ticket.

For those planning to attend, a few important notes:

• The EOLS venue has updated its security procedures for 2025, implementing a clear bag policy similar to those at major sporting events
• Parking is free but limited—carpooling is strongly encouraged
• Gates open at 3:00 PM, with the main competition beginning at 7:00 PM
• The event will proceed rain or shine, as the competition area is uncovered while grandstands are partially covered

"We've seen tremendous growth in attendance over the past few years," notes PRCA Regional Director Mark Stevens. "It's a testament to the quality of the competition and the overall experience we're creating. My advice? Don't wait to get tickets—this event has sold out three years running."

Community Impact: Beyond the Arena

The Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls represents more than just a sporting event for Union and the surrounding communities. With an estimated economic impact of over $500,000, the influx of visitors supports local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail shops throughout Union County.

Additionally, a portion of each ticket sold goes directly to the Ed Miller Scholarship Fund, which has provided over $75,000 in educational support to local students pursuing careers in agriculture, veterinary science, and rodeo sports.

The event also showcases the crucial partnership between the PRCA and local sponsors. Title sponsor Ed Miller Ford has deep roots in the community, while supporting sponsors like Eastern Oregon Banking Group, Union County Cattlemen's Association, and Grande Ronde Valley Brewing contribute to making the event financially accessible while maintaining its world-class quality.

"This event embodies what the PRCA stands for—preserving Western heritage while evolving to meet the expectations of modern sports fans," says PRCA Marketing Director Jennifer Lawson. "We're particularly proud of how the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls has become a catalyst for community engagement and economic development in rural Oregon."

The Road to the NFR Runs Through Union

For the competitors, the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls represents more than just the $15,000 purse. As a PRCA-sanctioned event, points earned here count toward National Finals Rodeo qualification, making this early-June competition a critical stop for those with championship aspirations.

"Winning in Union changed the trajectory of my entire season," reflects defending champion Tanner Holden. "The points I earned here helped secure my first NFR qualification, and the confidence boost from conquering that pen of bulls carried me through the summer run."

With the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo scheduled for December in Las Vegas, the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls serves as an early indicator of who might be contending for rodeo's ultimate prize when winter comes.

Join the Tradition

As the PRCA continues to grow the sport of rodeo nationwide, events like the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls represent the perfect blend of grassroots tradition and professional competition. For one electric night in Union, Oregon, the spotlight of the rodeo world will shine on a community that embodies the values and heritage that have made rodeo an enduring piece of American culture.

Whether you're a dedicated rodeo fan who can distinguish a bull's bucking style from the first jump, or a curious newcomer looking to experience the thrill of Western sports for the first time, the Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls offers an authentic, adrenaline-charged experience that can't be replicated.

Remember to mark April 5 on your calendar, when tickets become available right here. Join us on June 5, 2025, at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show grounds in Union, Oregon, for a night where courage meets the dirt and legends are made eight seconds at a time.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to sanction the 2025 Ed Miller Xtreme Bulls as part of our commitment to preserving Western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo throughout North America.