Professional bull riding (PBR) has become one of the most popular rodeo sports in the world. With its exciting 8-second rides and dangerous bucking bulls, PBR events draw huge crowds anxious to watch the best riders take on the rankest bulls. For fans wanting to watch PBR bull riding competitions, there are several ways to catch all the action.
Attend a PBR Event
The best way to experience professional bull riding is to attend a live PBR event. PBR currently runs three touring series in the United States: the Unleash The Beast tour, the Velocity Tour, and the Touring Pro Division. Additionally, PBR operates tours in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. Attending a live event allows you to feel the adrenaline in the arena as riders try to stay on powerful bucking bulls like Bushwacker, Bruiser, and Pearl Harbor. The loud music, flashing lights, and cheering crowds make for an electrifying environment.
PBR’s premier series, Unleash the Beast, consists of around 25 events at stadiums across the U.S. every year. This top-level tour features the best riders in the world competing for millions in prizes. The Velocity Tour targets markets not visited by the Beast tour and the Touring Pro Division focuses on new up-and-coming riders. PBR also launched the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour in 2022, bringing events to more mid-sized venues. For the biggest PBR experience, attending a Unleash the Beast event is recommended.
Tickets for PBR events can be purchased through the PBR website or ticket seller websites like Ticketmaster. Prices vary by location but often range from $20-$100 per seat at tour stops. PBR also offers special VIP ticket packages with perks like exclusive meet and greets with riders.
2022 PBR Unleash the Beast Tour Schedule
Date | Event | Location |
---|---|---|
Jan 7-9 | PBR Chute Out | Oklahoma City, OK |
Jan 14-16 | PBR Hawaii Invitational | Honolulu, HI |
Jan 21-23 | PBR Austin Invitational | Austin, TX |
Feb 11-12 | PBR WinStar World Casino and Resort Invitational | Thackerville, OK |
March 4-6 | PBR Iron Cowboy | Arlington, TX |
March 18-20 | PBR Last Cowboy Standing | Glendale, AZ |
April 1-3 | PBR Wisconsin Invitational | Milwaukee, WI |
April 22-24 | PBR Billings Invitational | Billings, MT |
April 29-30 | PBR Oklahoma City Invitational | Oklahoma City, OK |
May 6-8 | PBR Monster Energy Invitational | Duluth, GA |
May 13-15 | PBR Sacramento Invitational | Sacramento, CA |
May 27-29 | PBR Tacoma Invitational | Tacoma, WA |
June 10-12 | PBR RFD-TV’s The American | Arlington, TX |
June 24-26 | PBR Tulsa Invitational | Tulsa, OK |
July 1-3 | PBRCanada Cup – Strathmore | Strathmore, AB |
July 29-31 | PBR Music City Invitational | Nashville, TN |
Aug 5-7 | PBR Magic City Showdown | Birmingham, AL |
Aug 12-14 | PBR Unleash the Beast | Tulsa, OK |
Aug 26-28 | PBR Washington Invitational | Tacoma, WA |
Sept 9-11 | PBR Sacramento Invitational | Sacramento, CA |
Sept 16-18 | PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals | TBA |
Oct 1-2 | PBR Tennessee Invitational | Nashville, TN |
Oct 7-9 | PBR South Point Invitational | Las Vegas, NV |
Oct 15-16 | PBR Montana Invitational | Billings, MT |
Oct 22-23 | PBR Tampa Invitational | Tampa, FL |
Oct 28-30 | PBR World Finals | Fort Worth, TX |
Watch on CBS Sports Network
If you can’t make it to a live event, the next best option is to watch PBR on television. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of PBR, airing over 100 hours of PBR programming each year. This includes coverage of the Unleash the Beast tour, Velocity Tour, Touring Pro Division, and PBR Canada Cup. CBS Sports Network is available on most major cable, satellite and streaming platforms.
CBS Sports Network airs around 15 regular season Unleash the Beast events live throughout the year. Coverage typically includes the Saturday and Sunday rounds of two-day events. Broadcasting starts at 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET on Saturdays and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET on Sundays. The network also airs PBR 15/15 Bucking Battles and occasional Velocity Tour stops.
For PBR’s biggest annual events, CBS Sports Network provides live coverage of the full competitions. This includes the multi-day PBR World Finals held every November, the PBR Global Cup team event, and the PBR Last Cowboy Standing major. Re-airs of PBR programming are also frequently shown on CBS Sports Network in case you miss the live broadcasts.
Stream on RidePass
The PBR RidePass digital subscription service offers unlimited on-demand access to PBR events live and on replay. RidePass streams over 200 days of PBR bull riding action annually on desktop, mobile, tablet, connected TV, and Xbox One.
For only $9.99 per month, PBR RidePass provides live coverage of every PBR Unleash the Beast, Velocity Tour, Touring Pro Division, and International event. This includes action from all Tours across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. RidePass offers both livestreams and on-demand replays of competitions, letting you watch at your convenience.
Special RidePass events like “Behind the Chutes” and “Rewind” give fans insider commentary and analysis. There are also exclusive highlights, interviews and features. With RidePass, you get access to over 100 hours more PBR programming than traditional TV providers.
RidePass PBR Livestreaming and On-Demand Schedule
Event | Days Streamed Live | Replays Available On-Demand |
---|---|---|
Unleash the Beast | Saturday & Sunday | Immediately After Event |
Velocity Tour | Saturday & Sunday | Immediately After Event |
Touring Pro | Friday-Sunday | Immediately After Event |
International | Depends on Country | Immediately After Event |
PBR Canada Cup | Saturday & Sunday | Immediately After Event |
PBR World Finals | All Rounds | Immediately After Event |
PBR Global Cup | All Rounds | Immediately After Event |
Last Cowboy Standing | All Rounds | Immediately After Event |
Watch PBR on Other Sports Networks
Occasionally, PBR bull riding is broadcast on other sports television networks besides CBS Sports and RidePass. Sports fans can check these channels for additional PBR programming throughout the year:
- FOX Sports – Airs PBR content like highlights, recaps, and specials on FS1 and regional FOX Sports networks. Also broadcasts some live PBR events.
- AT&T SportsNet – Regional AT&T SportsNet channels in Rocky Mountain, Southwest, Pittsburgh and Northwest show select PBR events.
- TSN – The Canadian sports network is an official PBR partner. Broadcasts PBR Canada Cup stops and more.
- FOX Sports Australia – As the broadcast partner in Australia, FOX Sports shows PBR Australia events.
- Eurosport – This European sports network covers PBR’s expanding European series from start to finish.
Followers of these national and regional sports networks should check programming schedules regularly for live PBR action and related content. While availability varies, they offer alternative viewing options beyond CBS Sports and RidePass.
Listen on SiriusXM
Fans can also listen to PBR bull riding nationwide on SiriusXM satellite radio. SiriusXM’s Rural Radio channel 147 airs every PBR event from the opening gate to the final ride. This includes coverage of the Unleash the Beast tour, Velocity Tour, Touring Pro Division and international PBR tours.
SiriusXM commentators provide play-by-play, analysis and updates as the action happens. It’s a great way to follow PBR events live when you can’t watch. Plus, Rural Radio offers additional rodeos, Western sports and cowboy entertainment beyond just PBR. It’s available across the U.S. in your vehicle, or via streaming through the SiriusXM app.
Follow PBR on Social Media
PBR and its riders are active on social media, allowing fans to stay updated on bull riding. Following PBR’s official accounts is a useful way to get news, highlights, insights and commentary surrounding events.
PBR’s main accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok post about competitions on all Tours. PBR rider accounts also share videos and photos from events, injuries, training and more. Key handles to follow include:
- @PBR
- @PBRCanada
- @PBRAustralia
- @PBREurope
- @PBRBrazil
- @ JessLockwood (reigning PBR World Champion)
- @JoaoRicardoVieira (2x PBR World Champion)
- @KaiquePacheco
- @CooperDavis
- @CodyJesus
- @JoseVitorLeme
Along with following these accounts, turning on notifications will alert you anytime important PBR content is posted. Social media provides a free and handy option to keep up with professional bull riding.
Purchase PBR on YouTube & Amazon Prime
Full event replays and highlight packages can be purchased and streamed through YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. For about $2.99-$5.99 per event, fans can watch the complete rides, bull outs, injuries, and victories from past PBR competitions on-demand.
YouTube offers event-length videos or 10-15 minute highlight reels to choose from. On Amazon Prime Video, you can buy access to past PBR events through their sports library. Events are usually available for purchase within a day or two of airing live. These platforms let you buy and watch PBR bull riding conveniently online.
Attend Local PBR Events
Beyond nationally-televised pro competitions, smaller PBR events take place across North America that are open to the public. Attending a local PBR event is an affordable way to experience bull riding in person.
PBR’s affiliate leagues like the Touring Pro Division, Mountain States Circuit, and Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour hold multi-day events in smaller venues nationwide. Minor league tours like the American Bucking Bull (ABB) and Championship Bull Riding (CBR) also put on local competitions.
To find PBR bull riding nearby, search “PBR schedule” along with your state or region. Schedules for minor pro and amateur circuits will pop up. Tickets are usually cheaper than major PBR events, though production value is lower. It’s a good starting point for new rodeo fans to catch the live action.
Watch at a Bar or Restaurant
Many sports bars, restaurants and taverns across North America screen live PBR broadcasts, especially in bull riding hotbeds like Texas, Oklahoma and Canada. Call ahead to ask if your local spot will have the PBR event on their televisions.
Watching at a bar is a popular communal way to enjoy PBR bull riding, beer in hand. The reactions from other invested viewers enhances the experience. Several nationwide chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Twin Peaks and Tilted Kilt are reliable spots to find PBR on their TVs when events are airing live.
Conclusion
PBR’s daring bull riders put their lives on the line against enormous bovine opponents, showcasing their strength, bravery and skill. The atmosphere is always electrifying whenever the chute gate swings open. There are abundant ways for fans to watch the action via attendance, TV, streaming, social media and more. With many exciting PBR events held across North America annually, you’re sure to find a high-energy competition in your area. Grab some friends or fellow riders and get ready to cheer on the fearless bullfighters from the stands or your living room!