Tag: Michigan

Flawless Cody McCandless Secures First PBR Event Title at Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids

Streaking Marco Rizzo Finishes Third After Winning Round 1

Grand Rapids, Mi – In a thrilling display of bull riding prowess, Cody McCandless from Derry, Pennsylvania, emerged victorious at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour’s Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids, claiming his first PBR event title. McCandless demonstrated unmatched skill, going a perfect 3-for-3 in the final night of competition.

The Pennsylvania cowboy began his trek to the top from the eighth position on Saturday after a successful 78.5-point ride on Little Hornet (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in Round 1. Determined to clinch his first PBR event buckle, McCandless rode Rip VanWinkle (J Bar W) for 82.5 points, securing his spot in the championship round.

The over eight thousand in attendance at Van Andel Arena roared as  the 21-year-old cowboy soared to the lead by rocketing out of the gate on Muss Buss (C-B Bucking Bulls) for an impressive 85.5 points. McCandless’s flawless performance earned him 116 Velocity Global points, propelling him to the No. 3 spot in the Velocity Tour standings.

Qynn Andersen from Koumala, Queensland, Australia, maintained the second-place spot after a strong Round 1 performance. Despite being bucked off Blaze (J Bar W) in 7.13 seconds, Andersen rebounded in the championship round, claiming victory with an event-high 87.5 points on The Undertaker (Cornwell/Riley/PCP Bucking Bulls). This success propelled him into the Top 10 in the Velocity Tour standings with 96 Velocity Global points.

Round 1 winner Marco Rizzo from Quitman, Georgia, secured a third-place finish. Rizzo maintained his top spot in the event standings after riding Money Maker (C Check Bucking Bulls) for 84 points in Round 2. Despite a valiant effort in the final round on Shazam (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), he was bucked off in 1.84 seconds. The bronze finish earned Rizzo 80.5 points, preserving his hold on the No. 1 ranking in the early Velocity Tour standings.

In fourth position was Rubens Barbosa from Iaciara, Brazil, who went 2-for-3 with notable rides on Kiss This (J Bar W) and Sierra’s Dance (J Bar W). Barbosa’s first Top 5 finish of 2024 secured him 54 Velocity Global points.

Grayson Cole from New Riggold, Pennsylvania, rounded out the Top 5 with impressive rides on Recall (J Bar W) and Monkey Doo (C-B Bucking Bulls). Despite being bucked off Bad Hart (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in the championship round, Cole left Van Andel Arena with 48 Velocity Global points.

Tyler Manor from Portland, Indiana, claimed the sixth position, putting together two solid rides. Manor’s Top-10 finish, including a successful ride on Funny Farm (Cornwell Bucking Bulls/PCP Bucking Bulls) in the championship round, earned him 43 Velocity Global points.

In the bullpen, The Undertaker and Muss Buss shared the Bull of the Event title, marking an exceptional display of skill and strength.

The Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids showcased remarkable performances from riders and bulls alike, creating an unforgettable event for fans and participants.

Thrilling PBR Bull Riding Event Takes Grand Rapids, Michigan by Storm Friday Night


Grand Rapids, Mi-Following his triumphant win at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) in Charleston, West Virginia, Marco Rizzo of Quitman, Georgia, is taking the lead after the opening round of the Tractor Supply Co. Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Grand Rapids. Ranked No. 1 in the Velocity Global standings, Rizzo showcased his skills by conquering Air Shift from Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, earning a round-winning score of 87 points on Friday night. This victory extended his lead in the standings, garnering an impressive 28 Velocity Global points.

Qynn Andersen, representing Koumala, Queensland, Australia, secured the second position in Round 1. Teaming up with Cash Goblin from Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, Andersen thrilled the crowd with an 85.5-point ride, adding 18 points to his Velocity Global standings.

The last spot on the podium currently belongs to Hunter Ball of Carsonville, Michigan. With the support of his home state fans at The Van Andel Arena, Ball successfully rode Down N Dirty from C Check Bucking Bulls for the requisite 8 seconds, earning 85 points. The 17 Velocity Global points propelled him to the fourth position in the standings.

The Tractor Supply Co. PBR event, hosted at The Van Andel Arena, home to the Grand Rapids Griffins Ice Hockey team, is currently underway. The arena, typically known for ice hockey, has transformed into a battleground for thrilling PBR action. The final round is set to return on Saturday night, promising more intense matchups between skilled riders and powerful bulls. As the competition heats up, Grand Rapids remains the epicenter of this adrenaline-pumping event, captivating audiences with the fearless spirit of bull riding.

PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour

Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Event Leaders (Round 1-Round 2-Round 3-Event Aggregate-Event Points)

1. Marco Rizzo, 87-0-0-87.00-28 Points.

2. Qynn Andersen, 85.5-0-0-85.50-18 Points

3. Hunter Ball, 85-0-0-85.00-17 Points.

4. Grayson Cole, 84.5-0-0-84.50-16 Points.

5. Rubens Barbosa, 83.5-0-0-83.50-15 Points.

6. Tyler Manor, 83-0-0-83.00-14 Points.

7. Jean Fernandes Pereira, 81.5-0-0-81.50-13 Points.

8. Cody McCandless, 78.5-0-0-78.50-4 Points.

Eight people arrested during a Justice for George Floyd rally in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Mi– Protesters gathered at Rosa Parks Circle on March 8, 2021 for a Justice for George Floyd Rally in response to the start of Derek Chauvin’s trial. Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the May 25, 2020 death of Floyd.

The peaceful protest, organized by nonprofit organization Justice for Black Lives, began at 6 p.m. with event organizers and supporters giving speeches calling for equal rights, unity, and the conviction of Chauvin’s and the others involved with the death.

Following the speeches, around 100 people began a march through the streets of downtown.  

About 20 minutes into the march, protesters were met by Grand Rapids Police at the intersection of Ionia and Monroe Center where eight people were arrested, all for misdemeanor offenses.

Charges ranged from creating a public disturbance to obstructing traffic to refusing to obey a command by an officer.

Video of Arrest being made