The World's Toughest Rodeo kicks off its 2009 National Tour in Raleigh on January 3 at the RBC Center

LIVE Event Coming To RBC Center Saturday, January 3

(Raleigh, NC) -- You’ve seen “Survivor,” you’ve seen “The Apprentice.” Now America’s hottest new television sports drama called “Toughest Cowboy” will air in 2009.

The World’s Toughest Rodeo™ kicks off its 2009 National Tour in Raleigh on January 3 at the RBC Center, and world-renowned entertainment producer Mark Burnett will have his crew on hand filming the daring competition for his latest hit television series “Toughest Cowboy™.”

Toughest Cowboy, the new revolutionary sports-drama based on the lives and rides of twelve cowboys premieres January 29 on Spike TV. These rodeo tri-athletes especially chosen for their grit and guts compete in eight episodes in a national tour that takes them from Raleigh to Chicago. Each rodeo show will be filmed and aired on Spike at 11:00pm EST with the premier on Thursday, January 29 for audiences across the country.

Fearless cowboys will ride in three dangerous events each night—bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding—an unprecedented test of endurance in modern rodeo competition. In reality-show style, one competitor will be pulled each week in a sudden elimination bull ride match, with the ultimate Toughest Cowboy champion winning the deed to a Rocky Mountain ranch near Laramie, WY.

Emmy-award winning producer Mark Burnett has created such landmark reality series as “Survivor,” “The Apprentice,” “Rock Star,” and “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?”

“The athletes on ‘Toughest Cowboy’ are living icons who take unbelievable risks every time they enter the arena,” said Burnett. “We are excited to bring their stories to Spike TV as they fight to secure their American dream in a competition that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

Tickets for the live event at the RBC Center start at just $18 and kids 12 & under are half price, courtesy of WRAL-TV & FOX 50. Group rates are also available for 20+ by calling (919) 861-5457. Tickets can be purchased online at RBCcenter.com, the RBC Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 919.834.4000.

For complete event details, visit www.toughestcowboy.com