The Texas Rattlers held a media event this past week at TX Whiskey Ranch, introducing the team, and looking forward to two big events in late September. They’ll be back in Fort Worth to celebrate with fans during Rattler Days from September 26 through 28 in The Stockyards, including the third installment of a wild cooking competition hosted by Chef Tim Love. Rattle Battle returns on September 27.
Fort Worth’s hometown Professional Bull Riding team is in its third season. More than an up-and-coming sport, Professional Bull Riding (PBR) is a big darn deal in Fort Worth, especially since PBR moved its headquarters to town last year. It’s big business, with a lot of loyal fans.
I even met one fan at the media day event who had first visited Fort Worth while she was on a trip from her home state of Tennessee. She was just visiting town to see her favorite team, the Rattlers, compete. Now she calls Fort Worth home. She seriously loved it so much, she packed her bags and moved here permanently. How’s that for an endorsement of The Ariat Texas Rattlers?
PBR World Finals will return to Fort Worth this season. Since AT&T Stadium is being reconfigured substantially to host the FIFA World Cup, Dickies Arena will install its dirt floor to once again host the 2026 PBR Unleash The Beast World Finals. The Rattlers remain third in the PBR Camping World Team Series standings. But, there’s a whole lot of bull riding to be done between now and the finals.
Like many in Fort Worth, the new team sport aspect of PBR is something new to me.
“Although previously known as an individual sport, team bull riding is a spirited five-on-five battle,” The Ariat Texas Rattlers site explains. “However, the rules remain the same ― ride for eight seconds and post the highest score with your teammates.”
General Manager Chad Blankenship gave me an introduction to this exciting team sport. He explained that it’s a bit like baseball, in that the coach, in this case, bull riding legend and co-founder of the PBR, Cody Lambert, pairs his riders with the best bull for their form, and chooses his line-up. It’s the equivalent of choosing your lead-off “hitters” and your “clean-up hitter” and positioning them against the right pitcher, to maximize the team’s score potential. Only with an angry, bucking bull, in this scenario.
In addition, the team introduced its new female mascot. “Miss Hiss” who has a toothy grin along with her forked tongue, and a noticeable rattling sound as she saunters by.
As they formally introduced the team line-up, we noticed a few Australian and Brazilian accents in the group. They all carried themselves like the rugged cowboys they are, and a couple were still nursing a limp. You try clinging to the back of a bucking bull for eight seconds.
“They put it all on the line every week,” Cody Blankenship said. “In 2023, we brought the big buckle home, and we’re looking to do it again in 2025.”
The next chance for Fort Worth fans to get up close to their home team will be at the annual Rattler Days celebration. The team’s annual three-day homestand will be held from September 26 through 28.
The Ariat Texas Rattlers will defend their home dirt inside Dickies Arena against the nation’s nine other PBR teams, and the Stockyards will host parades, live music, family celebrations, and community events that showcase the city’s cowboy heritage.
Chef Love says this year will be bigger than ever, with added space to accommodate even more foot traffic. The culinary showdown will feature 15 of North Texas’ most notable chefs, each vying for the crown of the 2025 Rattle Battle Champion and that coveted three-foot-tall rattlesnake trophy. Each chef will create a signature dish starring rattlesnake as the main ingredient.
“The great thing about it is that it’s such a level playing field,” Tim Love said. “Not many people cook with rattlesnake. There will be a diverse array of dishes and some surprises. Rattle Battle buys more rattlesnake meat than anybody in the world.”
Guests will sample dishes from every competitor before voting on their favorites. The top three fan-favorite chefs will advance to a final judging round, where a panel of celebrity judges will crown the winner.
“Every year I get more excited to see how far these chefs will push the boundaries,” said Chef Tim Love in a statement. “Rattlesnake isn’t easy to work with, and that’s the point. It takes a bold and thoughtful approach to make something truly memorable. That’s why this event belongs in Fort Worth, and why it’s become one of the weekends I look forward to most all year.”
In its first year of 2023, Dickies Arena took home the win at Rattle Battle. Then Lonesome Dove Fort Worth nabbed the trophy in 2024. This year, Chef Tim Love unveils the most dynamic Rattle Battle lineup yet.
“From BBQ pitmasters and purveyors of authentic Mexican flavors to Italian virtuosos and fine-dining craftsmen, the culinary showdown will be nothing short of fierce,” they say. The 2025 chef lineup includes:
Tickets are officially on sale for the 2025 Rattle Battle presented by TX Whiskey, on Saturday, September 27, from 12 pm to 2:30 pm at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
New this year, fans can enjoy two ticket options. The VIP ticket runs $150 which includes early entry, unlimited tastes, and an open bar featuring TX Whiskey cocktails and Deep Ellum Brewery beers. The $50 General Admission option includes unlimited tasting and access to a cash bar.
