(RALEIGH, NC) – World’s Toughest Rodeo™ stampedes into Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. for one epic night. Thirty professional cowboys will strap on a double dose of guts as they battle it out against the rankest bulls and broncs in North Carolina. Prior to the event, fans are invited to come early to meet some of the cowboys and enjoy a free pony ride.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m. at the Lenovo Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Advance tickets start at $18 for adults and kids (12 and under) are half price. Group rates (10+) are also available by calling (919) 861-5457.

America’s original extreme sport, in the form of the World’s Toughest Rodeo, will feature top cowboys testing their grit in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding, while the ladies bring the speed and beauty as they compete in the barrel racing event. The top two contestants in each event will return for a second time and go head-to-head to determine the night’s champion.

Back by popular demand for the 2016 tour is Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey. World’s Toughest Rodeo will feature the wild and western cowboy primate atop his Border Collie mount, Boogie, as they round up wild Barbados sheep. Whiplash has entertained crowds at rodeos and special events across North America and Europe. He is a fan favorite for all ages.

World-renowned trick roper turned announcer Anthony Lucia will also return to the World’s Toughest Rodeo in 2016. The 30-year old cowboy from Weatherford, Texas, is the son of famous rodeo star and animal trainer Tommy Lucia. Anthony started trick roping when he was nine, and has since performed at events throughout the country. He was featured on season 5 of NBC's "America's Got Talent." In recent years Anthony has transitioned into a rodeo announcer explaining the sport to fans across the country. He hosts a live talk show during the "Superbowl" of rodeo - the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas each December.

There is something for everyone – from top cowboys on the famous World’s Toughest bulls and horses, to the fast barrel racing cowgirls, to the wild antics of the rodeo clowns – at the World’s Toughest Rodeo, an exciting spectacle families won’t soon forget.

For more information visit www.WTRodeo.com.