The Florida Freedom, the state’s first professional bull riding team, will officially kick off their inaugural season in Florida on August 2 at Amerant Bank Arena. The team, competing in the innovative PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams league, will be welcomed by the City of Sunrise Commission, who will declare August 2 as “Florida Freedom Day.”
The Freedom, coached by 10-time PBR World Finals Qualifier Paulo Crimber, recently moved from Oklahoma and will host the league’s other nine teams during their home debut from August 2-4, coinciding with the excitement of Freedom Days. The roster includes rising star John Crimber, Paulo’s son, who is already making waves as a rookie with a series of impressive performances.
John Crimber holds a remarkable record, finishing his first season on the elite Unleash The Beast with stunning results, including a runner-up finish at the World Finals and the highest marked ride of 95 points atop Big Bank. Currently, he leads the Freedom with a perfect 4-for-4 record in league events and ranks third in the 2024 PBR Teams MVP race.
Before the action begins, a formal welcome event will take place at Amerant Bank Arena at 9:30 a.m. ET on August 2, where Sunrise officials will present a proclamation and unveil special collaboration jerseys with the Florida Panthers. Dignitaries present will include Mayor Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Mayor Joseph A. Scuotto, and executives from the Florida Panthers.
As the Freedom prepare for their first competition in Florida, excitement builds not only for the team but the community that embraces them.