For the first time, the All Nations Indian Relay Championships, a combination of the World Series and Super Bowl for Indian Horse Relay, will be held in Billings at MetraPark as a nod to the historic nature of the area.

The event location, the iconic MetraPark Grandstands, was originally built for the Montana Expo in the early 1900’s. Billings is a crossroads of the West and is strategically centered in the heart of the Northern Plains Indian Country, the home to major nations of the Indian Relay universe.

As America’s oldest competition, Indian Relay is currently exploding as the world’s newest and most exciting extreme sport, according to event organizers. The season-ending championships are the culmination of up to 16 grueling relay race events from June through September. Professional Indian Horse Racing Association (PIHRA) member teams will fiercely compete to earn points towards the coveted invitation to the championships in Billings on Sept. 17-20.

The 30 chosen teams will compete daily along with the Ladies’ Warrior Race, Kids’ Relay Race and the ever-popular Men’s Ultimate Warrior Race which features a 100-yard dash, flying-leap horse mount and gallop to the finish line. These exciting family competitions are a new addition to the championship venue sure to push the event over the top.

All Nations Indian Relay Championships
Diana Volk
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As part of this special event, The MetraPark Grandstands will be transformed into a mystical Indian village complete with teepees and two-story images of Indian Relay champion horses and racers, according to organizers. Spectators will have the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind Native American artwork directly from the artisans at the arts and crafts gathering in the MetraPark Grandstands. Native American champion singers, drummers and dancers transport spectators back to the time when the Horse Nations ruled the plains.

The 2015 All Nations Indian Relay Championships will be the largest gathering to ever witness Indian Horse Relay, with the best inter-tribal competition ever assembled, competing for the largest purse ever offered, according to organizers. More than 30,000 fans are expected to attend this standing-room-only event.

All Nations Indian Relay Championships
Diana Volk
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PIHRA was founded to promote Indian Relay, horsemanship and safety. The vision of the teams and the entire membership is of relay becoming a viable cultural and economic entity on the reservations.

Fans may now purchase tickets for the All Nations Indian Relay Championships September 17-20, 2015, at the MetraPark. This new event at MetraPark is hosted by the  PIHRA. Advance ticket prices start at $20 with packages and VIP seating available. Tickets are available at www.metrapark.com or by calling 800-366-8538.

 

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