HAMPTON, Va. – When the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) bucks back into the Hampton Coliseum on February 25, 2023, Virginia fans will once again get to experience the intensity of the world’s best bull riders and the sport’s rankest animal athletes for the PBR: Hampton Classic.

During the 2023 season, the PBR will celebrate its 30^th anniversary since 20 cowboys broke away from the traditional rodeo with the belief that bull riding could be a standalone sport. Since their trailblazing initiative, the PBR has grown into a global phenomenon awarding nearly $300 million in prize money. Eventgoers in Hampton will be on the edge of their seats as riders vie for crucial world points on the line in the race to be crowned the 2023 PBR PWVT Champion.

In early 2022 when the PWVT visited Hampton an electric Virginia crowd was in the house on Saturday night to watch Brazilian cowboy Eduardo Aparecido (Gouvelandia, Brazil) sweep both rounds of competition to claim the win.

As the night began, Aparecido seized the opportunity inside Hampton Coliseum and was off to a hot start, tying for the Round 1 win with an 86-point ride aboard Monkey Doo (Generations Pro Rodeo). His momentum continued in the championship round as he prepared to attempt Mathew (Generations Pro Rodeo, Inc.) in the final round.

Matching the animal athlete jump-for-jump, Aparecido reached the requisite 8-seconds for an event-best score of 89 points. With the flawless finish, he earned a crucial 42.5 world points and surged 13 positions up the world standings from No. 34 to No. 21.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, 40 competing riders hoping to climb the world standings just like Aparecido, will attempt one bull each in Round 1. Following the opening round, the Top 10 will then advance to the championship round where they will attempt one final bull, all in an effort to be crowned the event champion.

The top talent of the series will take to the dirt at 7 p.m.  Tickets range in price from $15 to $110 and can be purchased online at Hampton Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-732-1727.

“PBR Premier Elite Seats” are available for $285 for avid bull riding fans who want an exclusive experience while enjoying the world’s top bull riding league. These tickets offer the best seat in the venue, a limited edition 30^th anniversary hat, a $10 concession voucher per seat, a commemorative credential and lanyard, a pre-show backstage tour with PBR talent, and a photo opportunity from the dirt.

Diehard fans looking for a premium experience with seating close to the PBR action, won’t want to miss the “VIP Elite Seats” for $210. This elite upgrade gets you great lower-level seats, a $10 concession voucher per seat, a commemorative credential and lanyard, a pre-show backstage tour with PBR talent, and a photo opportunity on the arena dirt.

Fans can additionally purchase a “PBR Plus Seat” for $159. The PBR Plus seat includes great lower-level seating, a post-show photo experience on the dirt, a $10 concession voucher per seat, and a commemorative credential & lanyard.

For more information on “PBR Premier Seats,” “PBR VIP Elite Seats” and “PBR Plus Seat” or to purchase tickets for the PBR: Hampton Classic in Hampton, visit PBR.com.