The Ariat Texas Rattlers, reigning champions of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) teams world, were officially recognized by Mayor Mattie Parker and the City Council on Tuesday as Fort Worth's first professional sports team to win a national title.
As the only PBR team undefeated on home turf, the Rattlers have garnered national acclaim, establishing themselves as cultural and civic icons within the city. During the ceremony, team co-owner Leonard Firestone and general manager Chad Blankenship presented Mayor Parker with an exclusive Fort Worth city jersey. This gesture aligns with a growing trend among professional sports franchises, including the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks, and signifies the Rattlers' emerging prominence in Fort Worth’s sports scene.
The jersey features a Panther City design that celebrates Fort Worth’s resilience, a nod to its transformation from a city once labeled as “sleepy” in the 1870s to a vibrant, competitive metropolis.
This recognition comes just ahead of Rattler Days, a three-day bull riding competition set to take place on September 26 at Cowtown Coliseum and on September 27-28 at Dickies Arena, where the Rattlers will face off against nine other teams from across the country.
The event will also host the Stockyards Alley Rally, presented by Community Coffee, a free fan festival at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, featuring live music, parades, autograph signings, and more to celebrate the hometown champions.
