The City of Sunrise Commission joined Florida’s newest sports team, the Florida Freedom, this morning to welcome them home to Sunrise where the team will compete at Amerant Bank Arena. The Mayor and Commissioners have now proclaimed August 2, 2024 as Florida Freedom Day and encourage the community to experience the excitement of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and cheer on our new hometown athletes.

Formed in 2022, PBR Teams transforms bull riding from an individual sport into one where riders compete in five-on-five teams. After the Freedom rode out of Oklahoma during the league’s inaugural two seasons, they relocated to Sunrise and Amerant Bank Arena prior to the start of the 2024 campaign. Beginning on August 2 and continuing through Sunday, the team will ride in Florida for the first time as they welcome the league’s other nine teams to the home of the 2024 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers for Freedom Days. Tickets are available now as the team welcomes fans from around the world for their debut homestand this evening as well as events on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at Amerant Bank Arena.

The Florida Freedom, aiming to bring the next World Championship to the Sunshine State this October, are under the skilled leadership of 2024 Ring of Honor Inductee and Head Coach Paulo Crimber, pictured above (center) with Deputy Mayor Joseph A. Scuotto, Assistant Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kerch, Commissioner Jacqueline A. Guzman, and Commissioner Mark A. Douglas. The team boasts a talent-packed roster including teenage sensation John Crimber, seasoned competitor Trey Benton III, as well as World Finals qualifiers Alex Cerqueira, Thiago Salgado, Caden Bunch, Conner Halverson, and Casey Roberts. During this morning's announcement, the Florida Freedom donned new commemorative jerseys featuring a crossover design that celebrates both the Florida Panthers and Florida Freedom. Welcome to Sunrise, Florida Freedom!