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Understanding Professional Bull Riders and PBR Competition

Professional Bull Riders, Inc. was founded in 1992 by a visionary group of 20 bull riders who recognized the sport's potential beyond traditional rodeo competition. What started as a grassroots effort has evolved into the world's premier bull riding organization, sanctioning hundreds of events annually across the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. With over 1,000 professional members competing for millions of dollars in prize money, PBR has transformed bull riding from a rodeo side event into a standalone spectacle that fills arenas nationwide.

PBR distinguishes itself from traditional rodeo by focusing exclusively on bull riding, allowing the organization to create a faster-paced, more intense viewing experience. Events feature continuous action rather than the varied segments of a traditional rodeo. The production values rival major professional sports, with state-of-the-art sound systems, coordinated lighting, massive video boards, pyrotechnics, and contemporary music creating an atmosphere that appeals to traditional Western sports fans and mainstream audiences alike.

The sport's competitive structure includes multiple tour levels. The elite Unleash The Beast tour features the world's top 40 riders competing at premium venues for the highest stakes. The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour—coming to Ontario—serves as PBR's premier expansion series, showcasing rising stars alongside established veterans. The Teams Series—headed to Anaheim—represents PBR's innovative team-based format launched in 2022. Additional competition levels include the Challenger Series and Touring Pro Division, creating pathways for riders to advance through the ranks.

Success in bull riding requires an extraordinary combination of physical strength, mental toughness, lightning-fast reflexes, and strategic thinking. Riders must stay aboard a 2,000-pound bull for eight seconds while the animal twists, spins, bucks, and uses every instinctive technique to throw its rider. Scores are determined by two judges who evaluate both the rider's control and the bull's difficulty, with each judge awarding up to 25 points for a combined maximum of 100 points per ride. Scores above 90 points are rare and represent the pinnacle of performance, entered into PBR's prestigious 90-Point Club.

The bulls themselves are celebrated athletes, bred specifically for their bucking ability and competitive drive. These aren't farm animals—they're elite bovine competitors from specialized breeding programs that produce the American Bucking Bull breed. Bulls like Bushwacker, Bodacious, and SweetPro's Bruiser have become legends, with some bulls commanding higher appearance fees than the riders. The bulls compete on a circuit parallel to the riders, with their own rankings and awards. By participating in PBR, these remarkable animals receive exceptional care, top-quality nutrition, and veterinary attention throughout their competitive careers.

The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour: Individual Competition at Its Finest

The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour has emerged over the past decade as PBR's fastest-growing circuit, experiencing tremendous attendance increases and expanding to 95 cities across America. For 2026, the tour includes 27 regular-season events across 21 states, kicking off December 6-7, 2025, in St. Louis and concluding with Tour Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas, in May 2026. The Los Angeles area's Ontario stop represents one of the tour's marquee West Coast appearances.

Velocity Tour competition follows a format designed to maximize excitement while fairly determining the top performers. During the Ontario shows, 40 elite riders will compete in the opening round, with the field narrowing to 36 for the second round. After two rounds, the top 10 riders based on aggregate scores advance to the championship round, competing for the event title and crucial Velocity Global points. These points determine riders' positions in the Velocity Global Standings throughout the season.

The stakes extend beyond individual event victories. Riders accumulate Velocity Global points throughout the season to qualify for the prestigious Velocity Tour Finals in Corpus Christi. Additionally, the top performers from Velocity Finals who haven't already qualified earn spots at the crown jewel of bull riding—the PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast. For 2026, the World Finals return to Texas for the fifth consecutive season, beginning at Fort Worth's historic Cowtown Coliseum on May 7-10 and continuing at Dickies Arena on May 14-17.

The 2025 Velocity Tour season was highly successful, hosting more than 370,000 fans and selling out 18 event days. The format's popularity stems from its accessibility—fans witness the full range of PBR talent, from seasoned veterans to hungry young competitors making their mark. The individual competition creates compelling narratives as riders battle both the bulls and each other, with every ride potentially changing the standings. The two-night format in Ontario allows fans to see different rider-bull matchups each evening, with the second night often featuring even higher stakes as competitors refine their strategies.

Ontario's Toyota Arena provides an ideal setting for Velocity Tour action. The venue transforms completely for PBR events, with crews hauling in approximately 750 tons (1.5 million pounds) of specially formulated clay-sand dirt to create the bucking surface. This unique blend establishes firm footing for the powerful bulls while providing enough give to reduce injury risk when riders are thrown. Seven semi-trucks deliver the production equipment, and a crew of about 30 works around the clock preparing the venue. Over 50 bulls will be on site for the two-day event, with fresh match-ups ensuring every session offers unique competition.

PBR Teams Series: Revolutionary Team-Based Bull Riding

When PBR launched the Teams Series in 2022, it fundamentally reimagined how professional bull riding could be structured. Rather than purely individual competition, the Teams Series created 10 franchise-based teams, each representing different regions and cities. Teams include the Arizona Ridge Riders, Austin Gamblers, Carolina Cowboys, Florida Freedom, Kansas City Outlaws, Missouri Thunder, Nashville Stampede, New York Mavericks, Oklahoma Wildcatters, and Texas Rattlers. Each franchise has its own identity, colors, fan base, and roster of elite riders.

The team format introduces strategic elements absent from traditional bull riding. Team coaches must decide which riders to deploy in which rounds, balancing their roster's strengths against the bulls' characteristics. Rosters include protected riders who form the team's core, plus alternate riders who can be called up during the season. This creates a dynamic where teams can trade riders, sign free agents, and adjust their lineup based on performance, injuries, or strategic needs—bringing familiar sports management concepts to bull riding.

Teams Series events feature multiple teams competing simultaneously, with riders earning points for their squads through successful rides. The scoring system rewards both ride completion and quality, meaning a single exceptional ride can dramatically shift team standings. The format creates compelling team rivalries, with franchises developing dedicated fan bases who support their squad throughout the season. The team aspect also appeals to casual sports fans who may be more familiar with franchise-based competition than individual rodeo sports.

The Anaheim shows represent crucial mid-season competition as teams jockey for playoff positioning. Each of the three event days will feature different teams, giving fans the opportunity to see multiple franchises and dozens of elite riders over the September weekend. The team environment creates added pressure—riders aren't just competing for personal glory but for their teammates and fans. This dynamic produces especially dramatic moments when a team's fate hinges on a single rider's eight-second effort.

The Teams Series season builds toward the championship event held annually in Las Vegas. Season 5's Teams Championship kicks off November 4-6, 2026, in Las Vegas, where the top-performing teams battle for the title. The playoff format intensifies the competition, with sudden-death rounds and overtime deciding which franchise claims supremacy. Past champions have included the Carolina Cowboys, who recently battled through overtime to claim their first-ever Teams Championship, demonstrating the format's capacity for producing unforgettable sporting moments.

Toyota Arena: Ontario's Premier Entertainment Destination

Toyota Arena opened in 2008 in Ontario, California, and has established itself as the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, serving a region of over 4.3 million people. The venue represents the entertainment hub of the region, hosting over 125 events annually including concerts, family shows, and sporting competitions. Owned by the City of Ontario and operated by Legends Global, the arena accommodates over 11,000 guests in a 225,000-square-foot facility featuring 36 luxury suites across two levels.

The arena's strategic location makes it accessible throughout Southern California. Situated on a 37-acre site between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue along Interstate 10, Toyota Arena offers convenient access from Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The venue's position in Ontario—roughly equidistant from downtown Los Angeles and Palm Springs—makes it an ideal gathering point for fans from across the region. Ample parking surrounds the venue, and the arena's modern design creates easy navigation for guests.

Toyota Arena is home to the Ontario Reign (AHL hockey) and Empire Strykers (Major Arena Soccer League), giving the facility year-round sporting events. The arena has also hosted major boxing matches, graduation ceremonies for dozens of regional high schools, and has welcomed top-tier entertainers from across musical genres. The venue's basketball capacity reaches 10,832, but for bull riding events, the configuration adapts to optimize sightlines for arena center action.

For PBR events specifically, Toyota Arena's attributes create an ideal atmosphere. The relatively intimate size compared to massive stadiums means every seat offers excellent views of the chutes, the arena floor, and the big screens. The venue's acoustics amplify crowd energy, creating an electric environment where fans feel connected to the action. The continuous concourse features multiple concession stands offering diverse food and beverage options, merchandise kiosks, and fan amenities. The modern infrastructure supports the technical demands of PBR production, including pyrotechnics, specialized lighting, and HD video displays.

Previous PBR events at the venue (formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena) drew enthusiastic crowds, establishing Ontario as a key market for professional bull riding in California. The January dates position the Velocity Tour stop as a midwinter entertainment option when fans seek indoor excitement. With doors typically opening one hour before showtime, fans can arrive early to explore the venue, purchase merchandise, grab refreshments, and watch warm-ups before the bulls and riders enter the arena for the opening ceremonies.

Honda Center: Southern California's Legendary Sports and Entertainment Venue

Honda Center opened on June 19, 1993, originally as Anaheim Arena, with the arena quickly becoming known as Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim before Honda secured naming rights in 2006. The venue was constructed at a cost of $123 million and has since hosted over 44 million guests for more than 4,500 events. The 19,200-seat sports and entertainment facility serves as home to the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and hosts a variety of family shows, concerts, and entertainment events throughout the year.

The arena's location in Anaheim positions it at the heart of Orange County's entertainment corridor. Situated at the corner of Katella Avenue and Douglass Road, Honda Center sits near major attractions including Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium, and the Anaheim Convention Center. The venue is directly across from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), providing access via Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink's Orange County Line, and multiple bus services. This multimodal accessibility makes Honda Center remarkably convenient for fans throughout Southern California.

Honda Center's reputation as one of America's premier indoor venues stems from continuous improvements and exceptional guest experiences. The arena features 84 luxury suites and was the first venue in the United States to install two full levels of 360-degree ribbon displays, with 1,800 feet of full-color LED technology. The facility underwent a major scoreboard upgrade in 2014, replacing the original board with cutting-edge technology that debuted during the 2014-2015 NHL season. Outside, impressive LED video displays on the marquee announce upcoming events to passing traffic.

The venue has hosted numerous prestigious events throughout its history. Honda Center hosted the 2003 and 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, with the Anaheim Ducks clinching their first Stanley Cup championship on home ice in 2007. The arena has welcomed UFC events, major concerts by legendary artists, and has the second-highest gross ticket sales from special events on the West Coast, trailing only Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena. This track record demonstrates Honda Center's capability to host world-class events across all entertainment categories.

For PBR Teams Series events, Honda Center's size creates an electrifying atmosphere. The larger capacity compared to Toyota Arena means more fans experiencing the action simultaneously, generating tremendous noise and energy. The arena's conversion capabilities allow it to transform from a hockey venue to a bull riding arena efficiently, with the dirt surface, chutes, and production equipment installed for the September weekend. The venue's established expertise in hosting sporting events ensures smooth operations, quality concessions, and excellent fan services.

Honda Center offers various premium experiences for those seeking elevated viewing options. The venue features club seating with exclusive access to lounges, luxury suites with catering and private amenities, and specialized areas like the ice-level Impact Club. For standard ticket holders, the venue provides comfortable seating with excellent sightlines, wide concourses, diverse food options, and full-service bars. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the arena on multiple levels, with elevators providing access and assistive listening devices available upon request.

Why Los Angeles Embraces Professional Bull Riding

Southern California might seem an unlikely stronghold for a sport rooted in Western heritage, but the Los Angeles area has proven to be one of PBR's most vibrant markets. The region's size and diversity create a fan base that appreciates PBR's unique combination of athletic competition, entertainment production, and cultural authenticity. With over 18 million residents in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, even a modest percentage of sports fans represents a massive potential audience.

The area's Western roots run deeper than casual observers might recognize. California's ranching heritage, rodeo traditions, and cowboy culture remain strong, particularly in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and the Central Valley communities surrounding Los Angeles. Counties like Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange still feature active ranching operations, equestrian communities, and residents who maintain connections to Western lifestyles. This built-in audience provides PBR with dedicated fans who understand and appreciate the sport's nuances.

Beyond traditional Western sports enthusiasts, PBR appeals to Los Angeles's diverse population through its accessible format and family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike some extreme sports, bull riding's rules are straightforward—stay on the bull for eight seconds and score points based on your performance and the bull's difficulty. This simplicity means first-time attendees quickly understand what they're watching, while the inherent danger and drama keep everyone engaged regardless of their familiarity with Western culture.

The entertainment production values resonate particularly well in Los Angeles, where audiences expect high-quality live experiences. PBR delivers arena-rock concert atmosphere with coordinated lighting, explosive pyrotechnics, pumping music, and professional announcing that rivals major sporting events. The production creates Instagram-worthy moments, appeals to younger demographics, and provides entertainment value beyond just the athletic competition. This polished presentation helps PBR compete for entertainment dollars in one of America's most competitive markets.

The sport's athleticism also commands respect from sports fans who may not have grown up with rodeo culture. When audiences witness the physical demands bull riding places on competitors—the core strength required to maintain position, the leg strength needed to grip the bull, the mental toughness to climb back on after getting thrown—they recognize elite athletic performance. The fact that riders compete through injuries that would sideline athletes in other sports adds to PBR's reputation for toughness and determination.

Having events at two distinct venues across two seasons gives Los Angeles area fans multiple opportunities to experience PBR. The Ontario shows in January provide midwinter entertainment when outdoor activities are less appealing, while the September Anaheim dates offer fall excitement as the sports calendar heats up. The different formats—Velocity Tour individual competition versus Teams Series team competition—give fans varied experiences, encouraging attendance at both event weekends for those who discover they love the sport.

Planning Your PBR Los Angeles Experience

Attending a PBR event requires some planning to maximize your experience. For the Ontario shows at Toyota Arena, the venue typically opens doors one hour before the listed showtime. This gives you time to find your seats, visit concessions, purchase merchandise, and watch warm-ups. The arena's 11,000-capacity creates a more intimate atmosphere where you can see details of the rider preparation and bull behavior before the competition begins. Parking is available in lots surrounding the venue, with prices typically in the $15-25 range depending on proximity.

If you're attending the Honda Center shows in Anaheim, budget extra time for the larger venue and potentially heavier traffic. The arena's 19,200 capacity means more fans arriving simultaneously, particularly for evening events. Parking is available in multiple lots and structures near the venue, with rates around $25 for general parking. Consider arriving early to explore ARTIC if you're using public transportation, or to visit nearby restaurants in Anaheim's Platinum Triangle entertainment district. The venue's location near major Orange County attractions means you can potentially combine PBR with other activities during your visit.

When selecting seats, understand that bull riding is fundamentally different from sports with sideline or courtside seating. The action occurs in an arena-center ring, with bucking chutes on one side and the rest of the floor open for bulls and riders. Lower bowl seats closer to the chutes offer proximity to rider preparation and bull loading, while seats opposite the chutes provide views of the full rides. Upper bowl seats sacrifice proximity but offer better overall perspective of the arena floor and can be excellent value for budget-conscious fans. For PBR specifically, there really aren't bad seats—the action is visible from all angles, and the big screens replay exciting moments instantly.

Dress comfortably and embrace the Western theme if you wish. Many fans wear cowboy hats, boots, and Western shirts, contributing to the atmosphere, but casual attire is perfectly acceptable. The venues are climate-controlled, so you don't need to worry about weather. Both arenas offer diverse concession options beyond typical stadium fare, including regional favorites, upgraded menu items, and full bars for those 21 and over. Merchandise kiosks sell official PBR gear, team apparel, and rider-specific items, providing souvenirs to commemorate your experience.

For families attending with children, PBR events are designed to be family-friendly spectacles. The announcers keep the language appropriate, and the entertainment is thrilling without being inappropriate. That said, bull riding involves risk, and kids will witness riders getting thrown, stepped on occasionally, and bulls displaying aggressive behavior. Most children find this exciting rather than scary, especially with the heroic bullfighters (formerly called rodeo clowns) who protect fallen riders and create comedic moments between rides. Check specific age restrictions for each event, as some venues require all guests to have tickets regardless of age.

Consider attending multiple days if the schedule allows. Each session features different rider-bull pairings, fresh competition, and unique storylines. For the Ontario Velocity Tour weekend, Friday and Saturday shows will have different atmospheres—Friday may feature families and date nights, while Saturday often draws larger crowds and more intense competition as riders adjust strategies based on the previous night's results. For Anaheim's Teams Series triple-header, each day features different team matchups, so attending multiple shows lets you see more franchises and develop team preferences.

Getting Your PBR Los Angeles Tickets

Tickets for PBR events in the Los Angeles area are available through verified resale marketplaces including BigStub, which connects fans with authenticated ticket sellers offering competitive pricing. As a trusted ticket broker operating for over 20 years, BigStub maintains the highest ratings on Trustpilot and provides comprehensive buyer protection for every transaction. All tickets are verified authentic before listing, eliminating concerns about counterfeit admission.

BigStub's transparent pricing model includes all fees upfront in the displayed price, meaning the cost you see is the cost you pay—no surprise charges at checkout. This straightforward approach contrasts with competitors who advertise low prices then add substantial fees during purchase. The platform lists tickets from multiple verified sellers, creating competitive pricing that often results in below-face-value options. Whether you're seeking premium floor seats, mid-range lower bowl locations, or value-priced upper deck tickets, you'll find options across all price points.

When purchasing PBR tickets, consider buying earlier rather than later. Popular entertainment events in Los Angeles sell well as the date approaches, and waiting until the last minute may limit seat selection. That said, the resale market sometimes provides opportunities for deals as sellers adjust pricing closer to the event date. If you have flexible plans, monitoring prices might reveal bargains, but if you're set on specific seats or dates, secure your tickets when you find good options.

For groups, PBR events offer excellent value and shared excitement. Whether you're organizing a corporate outing, celebrating a birthday, or just gathering friends for a unique night out, experiencing professional bull riding together creates lasting memories. Both Toyota Arena and Honda Center can accommodate group tickets, and sitting together enhances the experience as you react collectively to thrilling rides, discuss riders' strategies, and share the electricity of big moments. Contact the venues directly for potential group discounts if you're bringing 10 or more people.

Keep in mind that seat locations for PBR events differ from other arena events due to the center-arena setup. Don't assume that sections optimal for hockey or basketball apply equally to bull riding. When viewing seat maps, consider your priorities—do you want proximity to the chutes where you can watch rider preparation, or prefer to see the full arena floor as bulls buck across the space? Reading reviews from previous PBR attendees at the specific venue can provide insights into which sections offer the best views for this unique sport.

The Stars of Professional Bull Riding

Current PBR competition features remarkable athletes who've dedicated their lives to mastering one of sports' most dangerous disciplines. Jose Vitor Leme currently stands as PBR's most accomplished active rider, having won his third World Championship in 2025 after mounting one of the greatest comebacks in sports history—shooting from 31st place to World Champion in just seven weeks. The Brazilian cowboy exemplifies PBR's international appeal, as riders from Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Mexico compete alongside American cowboys.

Other top riders include Marcus Mast, who was crowned the 2025 Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Champion after a perfect performance at the tour finals in Corpus Christi. Rising stars like John Crimber, who at age 19 delivered a phenomenal 91.25-point ride during PBR's St. Louis event, represent the sport's next generation. Veterans like J.B. Mauney, Silvano Alves, and Adriano Moraes have achieved legendary status through sustained excellence, with Alves and Moraes joining Leme as the only three-time World Champions in PBR history.

The bulls competing in PBR are equally celebrated, with many developing fan followings rivaling the riders. Bulls like Bushwacker, who went 42-6 over his career with devastating spinning ability, and Bodacious, remembered as perhaps the rankest bull ever, have been inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor. Current top bulls are carefully matched with riders based on drawing or seeding, creating compelling matchups where fans debate whether the rider's skills can overcome the bull's particular bucking style—whether that's powerful spinning, high kicks, or unpredictable direction changes.

For Teams Series specifically, star riders align with franchise teams, creating identifiable rosters fans can follow. Teams build their squads through drafts, trades, and free agency signings, just like mainstream professional sports. Top riders become franchise cornerstones, while teams hunt for complementary pieces to fill out competitive rosters. This structure creates storylines beyond individual rides—team chemistry, coaching decisions, and roster moves all factor into success, giving fans more dimensions to analyze and discuss.

Bull Riding Safety and Animal Welfare

Safety for both riders and bulls remains paramount in PBR competition. Riders wear protective gear including Kevlar vests that guard against bull impacts and internal injuries. These vests became mandatory in PBR in 1996 and have since been adopted across all bull riding organizations. Riders also wear helmets (increasingly common though not yet mandatory), mouthguards, and use specialized riding gloves with rosin for grip. The equipment represents constant evolution as technology improves protective capabilities.

Bullfighters play crucial safety roles during competition. These highly trained athletes position themselves to distract bulls away from fallen riders, giving cowboys precious seconds to escape. Modern bullfighters train specifically for this role, studying bull behavior and positioning to make split-second decisions that protect riders from additional injury. They're not clowns providing comic relief—they're professional safety personnel whose skills prevent serious injuries. That said, they often inject humor into their work, entertaining crowds between rides while remaining ready to spring into action instantly.

Sports medicine personnel staff every PBR event, with ambulances present and trauma specialists on standby. Riders receive immediate medical evaluation after falls, with the sports medicine team determining fitness to continue competing. This professional medical infrastructure ensures injuries are addressed promptly, reducing long-term complications. The combination of protective equipment, professional bullfighters, and immediate medical care has significantly improved rider safety compared to earlier eras of the sport.

Bull welfare receives equal attention in PBR operations. The American Bucking Bull breed has been developed specifically for athletic performance, with bulls bred for their natural inclination to buck rather than being trained or forced to display this behavior. Bulls compete in PBR events for 5-7 years typically, then retire to breeding programs where their genetics continue contributing to future generations. This career arc contrasts sharply with meat cattle, who face drastically shorter lifespans.

PBR bulls receive exceptional care including premium feed, regular veterinary checkups, specialized nutritional programs, and comfortable transportation in custom trailers. Bulls are athletes just like the riders, and their value (top bulls are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars) incentivizes excellent care. Bulls compete for roughly 8 seconds every few weeks, spending the rest of their time in comfortable conditions at stock contractors' facilities. This lifestyle ensures bulls remain healthy, strong, and competitive throughout their careers.

Veterinarians attend all PBR events, monitoring bull health before and after competition. Bulls showing any signs of injury or distress are immediately evaluated and removed from competition if necessary. The flank strap—often misunderstood by outsiders—is positioned around the bull's flank area (not genitals) and provides gentle pressure that encourages bucking behavior already natural to these animals. It's sheepskin-lined for comfort and releases immediately when the ride ends. Bulls that buck more aggressively score higher, making it in everyone's interest to ensure these remarkable animals remain healthy and competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions About PBR in Los Angeles

When and where are the PBR events happening in the Los Angeles area?

The Los Angeles area will host five PBR shows in 2026 across two venues and two separate tours. The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour comes to Toyota Arena in Ontario on January 16-17, 2026, with shows at 8:00 PM Friday and 7:00 PM Saturday. Later in the year, the PBR Teams Series arrives at Honda Center in Anaheim for three shows: Friday, September 11 at 6:45 PM, Saturday, September 12 at 5:45 PM, and Sunday, September 13 at 1:15 PM. These five events give Southern California fans multiple opportunities to experience different formats of professional bull riding.

What is the difference between the Velocity Tour and the Teams Series?

The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour features individual competition where riders compete for personal rankings, prize money, and qualification spots for higher-level tours including the PBR World Finals. Riders accumulate Velocity Global points throughout the season, with top performers advancing to elite competition. The Teams Series operates on a franchise-based model with 10 teams of professional riders competing for their squad. Teams have coaches, rosters, and strategies, creating a format similar to mainstream team sports. Both offer thrilling bull riding action but with different competitive structures and atmospheres.

How can I buy PBR tickets for the Los Angeles area events?

Tickets are available through verified resale marketplaces like BigStub, which connects fans with authenticated sellers offering competitive pricing. BigStub operates as a trusted ticket broker with over 20 years of experience and the highest ratings on Trustpilot. All prices include fees upfront with no hidden charges at checkout. Tickets are verified authentic with comprehensive buyer protection on every transaction. The platform offers seats across all price ranges from premium floor locations to value-priced upper deck sections, allowing fans to find options that fit their budget and viewing preferences.

Are PBR events appropriate for families and children?

PBR events are designed as family-friendly entertainment, with announcers keeping language appropriate and content suitable for all ages. That said, bull riding is inherently dangerous, and children will witness riders being thrown and occasionally stepped on by bulls. Most children find this exciting rather than frightening, especially with the heroic bullfighters who protect fallen riders and provide comedic entertainment between rides. The production includes music, lights, and excitement that appeals to kids. Check specific age policies for each venue, as some require all attendees to have tickets regardless of age.

How long do PBR events last?

PBR events typically run approximately two to two and a half hours from start to finish. This includes opening ceremonies, multiple rounds of competition, entertainment segments, and the final championship round. The exact duration varies based on the number of riders, the specific tour format, and the pace of competition. Velocity Tour events in Ontario will feature two complete nights of competition across the weekend. Teams Series events in Anaheim follow a similar timeline but with team-based scoring adding strategic elements to the competition format.

What should I wear to a PBR event?

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Many fans embrace the Western theme with cowboy hats, boots, jeans, and Western shirts, which adds to the atmosphere and makes for great photos. However, casual attire is completely acceptable and common. Both Toyota Arena and Honda Center are climate-controlled indoor venues, so you don't need to dress for outdoor weather. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you may walk substantial distances in larger arenas. If you want to blend in with the PBR crowd, Western wear is always welcome, but street clothes work perfectly fine.

Where should I sit for the best PBR experience?

Bull riding differs from traditional sports because the action occurs in a central arena ring rather than on a defined playing field. Lower bowl seats near the bucking chutes offer proximity to rider preparation and bull loading, creating an up-close perspective. Seats opposite the chutes provide views of complete rides as bulls buck across the arena. Upper bowl sections sacrifice proximity but offer excellent overall perspective of the entire floor and are often great value for budget-conscious fans. For PBR specifically, there are no truly bad seats—the action is visible from all angles, and massive video boards replay exciting moments instantly.

Can I bring a camera to PBR events?

Personal cameras and smartphones are typically permitted at PBR events for non-commercial personal use. Both Toyota Arena and Honda Center allow standard cameras, though professional equipment with detachable lenses may be prohibited. Check specific venue policies before attending. Flash photography should not be used during rides as it can distract bulls and riders, creating safety concerns. The venues' video boards and lighting provide sufficient ambient light for quality photos without flash. Respect those around you by keeping phone use reasonable during the show—nobody wants their view blocked by someone holding up a phone throughout the event.

What food and drinks are available at the venues?

Both Toyota Arena and Honda Center offer diverse concession options throughout their facilities. Standard arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pizza are available alongside upgraded options including burgers, chicken tenders, specialty sandwiches, and regional favorites. Multiple bars throughout each venue serve beer, wine, and cocktails for guests 21 and over with valid identification. Honda Center features premium clubs and restaurants for those with special access. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted, with exceptions for medical needs or infant care items. Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at concession stands.

How do I get to Toyota Arena and Honda Center?

Toyota Arena is located at 4000 East Ontario Center Parkway in Ontario, California, with direct access from Interstate 10. The venue offers ample parking in surrounding lots. Honda Center sits at 2695 East Katella Avenue in Anaheim, California, near the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 57. The venue is directly across from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, providing access via Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line, and multiple bus services. General parking at both venues typically ranges from fifteen to thirty-five dollars depending on proximity and demand. Consider arriving early to avoid traffic congestion near showtime.

Are the venues accessible for guests with disabilities?

Both Toyota Arena and Honda Center are fully accessible facilities committed to providing excellent experiences for all guests. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout both venues at various price points and locations. Both arenas feature wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators to all levels, and assistive listening devices upon request. Companion seating is provided adjacent to accessible locations. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the venue box office in advance to discuss requirements and ensure appropriate accommodations. Service animals are permitted at both venues. The arenas' staff are trained to assist guests with disabilities.

What is the 8-second rule in bull riding?

Bull riders must stay aboard the bucking bull for a minimum of eight seconds to receive a score. This time requirement dates back to traditional rodeo rules and represents the period considered necessary to demonstrate riding skill versus mere luck. The eight seconds begin when the bull's shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate, not when the gate opens. If the rider falls off, gets bucked off, or touches the bull with their free hand before eight seconds elapse, the ride is disqualified and receives no score. Successfully completed eight-second rides are then judged for quality, with scores potentially ranging from 0 to 100 points based on both rider control and bull difficulty.

How are bull riding scores determined?

Two judges each award up to 50 points per ride—25 points maximum for the rider's performance and 25 points maximum for the bull's difficulty and bucking quality. The rider's score considers control, technique, spurring action, and maintaining position throughout the eight seconds. The bull's score evaluates how challenging the animal was to ride, including factors like spinning, kicking, direction changes, and power. The two judges' scores combine for a maximum possible 100 points. Scores above 90 points are exceptional and qualify for PBR's prestigious 90-Point Club. Most competitive rides score in the 80s, while scores in the high 80s or 90s typically win events.

What happens if a rider falls off or gets injured?

When a rider falls before completing eight seconds, bullfighters immediately distract the bull away from the fallen rider, allowing the cowboy to escape to safety. These highly trained athletes position themselves between the bull and rider, giving the competitor crucial seconds to exit the arena. Sports medicine personnel evaluate every fallen rider, determining if they can continue competing. Injuries are common in bull riding—bruises, cuts, and soreness occur regularly, while more serious injuries like broken bones or concussions receive immediate professional medical attention. An ambulance is present at every event with trauma specialists on standby. Riders must be cleared by medical staff before returning to competition.

Are the bulls treated well and is this sport ethical?

PBR bulls receive exceptional care as valuable athletes. They're fed premium nutrition, receive regular veterinary checkups, live in comfortable facilities, and compete for only about eight seconds every few weeks. These animals are bred specifically as American Bucking Bulls—a specialized breed that naturally exhibits bucking behavior. Bulls compete in PBR for 5-7 years typically before retiring to breeding programs where they live out their natural lifespans. This contrasts dramatically with meat cattle, who face much shorter lives. Bulls showing any injury or distress are immediately removed from competition. Veterinarians attend all events monitoring bull health. The flank strap is sheepskin-lined and positioned comfortably around the bull's flank area, not genitals, releasing immediately when the ride ends.

Can I meet the riders or get autographs?

Opportunities for autographs and rider meet-and-greets vary by event and venue. Some PBR events include designated autograph sessions where fans can meet riders, though these are typically announced in advance and may require special access. Riders sometimes sign autographs near the concourse before events begin or after competition concludes, though this isn't guaranteed and depends on individual rider availability and venue policies. Official PBR fan experiences occasionally include meet-and-greet packages for additional fees. Your best opportunity is often purchasing official merchandise at the venue and hoping to catch riders during their downtime, though please respect their need to focus before competition.