The Ultimate Guide to the 2024 PBR Schedule: Buckle Up for an Epic Season!
Hey there, bull riding fans! Get ready to mark your calendars because the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) has just dropped their 2024 schedule, and it's looking like an absolute rodeo of excitement. From dusty arenas to glittering stadiums, the Unleash The Beast (UTB) series is set to take us on a wild ride across America. So, let's dive into what's in store for the coming year!
PBR Schedule: Kicking Off the Action
The 2024 UTB season is saddling up for an epic journey, featuring 23 regular-season events that'll crisscross 20 states. We're talking seven months of non-stop bull riding action, folks! The season opener? Mark your calendars for November 10-11, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona. From there, it's a whirlwind tour that'll keep you on the edge of your seat until May 2024.
Big Cities, Bigger Thrills
If you thought bull riding was just for small-town rodeos, think again! The PBR is bringing the thunder to some of America's most iconic cities. Imagine the roar of the crowd in Madison Square Garden as cowboys hang on for dear life, or the electric atmosphere in Chicago's Allstate Arena. These aren't just events; they're spectacles that'll have you holding your breath with every ride.
PBR Major Events: Where Legends Are Made
Now, let's talk about the real showstoppers - the Majors. These aren't your average rodeos, folks. We're talking increased points and a whopping $250,000 event purse up for grabs. There are three of these bad boys on the calendar:
The PBR Monster Energy Buck Off at the Garden in NYC (January 5-7, 2024)
Sacramento's Golden 1 Center showdown (February 2-4, 2024)
The Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque (March 22-24, 2024)
These events are where champions are crowned and legends are born. Miss them at your peril!
The Grand Finale: World Finals in the Lone Star State
Just when you think it can't get any more exciting, along comes the 2024 PBR World Finals. This isn't just an event; it's a bull riding extravaganza spread across three venues in Texas. From May 10-19, 2024, Fort Worth and Arlington will become the epicenter of the bull riding universe. Dickies Arena, Cowtown Coliseum, and the iconic AT&T Stadium will host the cream of the crop as they battle it out for the title of World Champion. It's going to be epic, y'all!
Catch Every Buck and Roll from Your Couch
Can't make it to the events? No worries! PBR has got you covered with some serious broadcast game. You can catch all the action on CBS, CBS Sports Network, and Paramount+. And for those who like their bull riding with a side of free, Pluto TV will be streaming events too. With approximately 70 hours of coverage throughout the season, including more than 20 hours of live action, you won't miss a single heart-stopping moment.
The Dream Team of Commentary
Let's not forget about the voices that'll be guiding us through every twist, turn, and triumphant ride. The legendary Craig Hummer returns for his 19th season of play-by-play, joined by two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride and 2016 champ Cooper Davis as color commentators. And keeping us in the loop from ground level? The amazing Kate Harrison as sideline reporter. This team doesn't just talk about bull riding; they live and breathe it!
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, folks - your guide to the 2024 PBR schedule. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the world of professional bull riding, this season promises to be one for the books. From the season opener in Tucson to the nail-biting finale in Texas, we're in for months of high-octane, adrenaline-pumping action.
Remember, in the world of PBR, every second counts, every ride matters, and legends are made eight seconds at a time. So grab your hat, dust off your boots, and get ready for a season of unparalleled excitement. The bulls are ready, the riders are set – are you ready to unleash the beast?
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.