BILLINGS, Mont. – When the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bucks back into Billings, Montana for the PBR Wrangler Invitational presented by Cooper Tires at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark on May 14-16 for the 13^th event of the 2021 Unleash The Beast (UTB) season, fans will see the ultimate level of competition as the world’s top bull riding athletes take on the rankest bucking bulls in the business.

The three-day weekend in cowboy country will mark the 26^th year that the PBR’s premier tour has traveled to the city, making it the longest-running event stop for the league.

In 2020, during a thrilling mid-September weekend of on-the-dirt action at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark, reigning PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme won his third 2020 premier series event in a row, along with Saturday night’s specialty round, the 15/15 Bucking Battle. The win in Billings furthered Leme’s hold on his No.1 spot in the world standings, which eventually led to him capturing the coveted gold buckle and $1 million bonus for his 2020 PBR World Championship title.

Alongside Leme, fan favorites including two-time World Champions J.B. Mauney and Jess Lockwood, 2018 World Champion Kaique Pacheco, 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis, 2020 Iron Cowboy winner Cole Melancon, veteran riders like Joao Ricardo Vieira and Chase Outlaw and many more will be among the riders expected to compete throughout the weekend. Montana native and longtime exclusive entertainer of the PBR, Flint Rasmussen, will keep the arena energy flowing throughout the event.

The bull riding action at the PBR Wrangler Invitational presented by Cooper Tires begins at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 and 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Tickets for the three-day event go on sale Tuesday, March 23 and range in price from $15 to $105 (taxes and venue fees not included). Fans can purchase tickets at metrapark.com or pbr.com.

In accordance with Montana’s COVID-19 guidelines, First Interstate Arena at MetraPark and PBR have worked together to institute a series of fan safety protocols to create a safe and responsible environment for fans, including:

• Tickets are available at a reduced capacity for increased social distancing.
• “Pod” Seating has been created to execute a safer environment by separating groups of fans.
• Increased reliance on cashless and contactless concessions.
• Social distancing/responsibility guidelines will be posted throughout the arena.
• In addition to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) screening, PBR staff and athletes will be required to wear masks as well as undergo medical testing for COVID-19.

Fans can also upgrade their ticket purchase by selecting the “Elite Experience” add-on for $75. This elevated experience includes a $10 concession voucher, a question and answer presentation with some of the top bull riders and stock contractors in the world and souvenir credential and lanyard.

Avid Montana bull riding fans who are looking for an exclusive VIP experience while enjoying the world’s top bull riding circuit can purchase “PBR Elite Seats” for $300. These tickets offer premium seats closest to the chutes, a $10 concession voucher, a question and answer presentation with some of the top bull riders and stock contractors in the world, a special tour of the bucking chutes with a stock contractor and souvenir credential and lanyard. Social distancing will be practiced at all times throughout the experience.

The “Elite Experience” and “PBR Elite Seats” can both be purchased by contacting the PBR Customer Service Department at 800-732-1727 or by visiting pbr.com.

PBR fans around the country can take advantage of the Billings “Travel Package,” a brand new offer for the 2021 event. This getaway package offers hotel accommodations for two nights (Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun), two tickets for two nights of the competition, $10 concession vouchers, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the inter-workings of a PBR event, a welcome tote and a souvenir credential and lanyard. Available for $1,300, the “Travel Package” is built as the ultimate weekend away in Montana for two fans and can be purchased by calling PBR. Fans wanting to attend all three nights of the event can upgrade to a $1,400 package to add the third night’s tickets and concession voucher.