BILLINGS, Mont. – When the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bucks back into Billings, Montana, for the PBR Unleash The Beast Cooper Tires Invitational, presented by Ariat, April 14-16, fans will see the ultimate level of competition unfold at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark as the world’s top bull riding athletes take on the rankest bucking bulls in the business.
Marking the premier tour’s return to Billings for the 27th consecutive season, the three-day, action-packed weekend will give Montana fans the opportunity to watch as 35 of the top bull riders in the world go head-to-head in one of the most exciting live sporting events.
During the 2023 season, the PBR will celebrate its 30th 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.
The upcoming PBR Unleash The Beast Cooper Tires Invitational, presented by Ariat, will be one of the closing events to the 2023 individual season. The coveted world points on the line will set the Unleash The Beast standings leaderboard for the season as the battle toward the 2023 world title rolls to a close.
Eventgoers will watch as riders vie for crucial points in the race to be crowned the 2023 PBR World Champion during the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, at Dickies Arena May 12-21.
When PBR visited Billings in 2022, Montana’s own Dakota Louis (Browning, Montana) emerged victorious after going 3-for-3.
Early in the weekend, Louis split the Round 1 win with 2018 PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco (Itatiba, Brazil) and was then paired with Air Tight Alibi (Lee Bucking Stock/ FT Bulls) for Round 2. The three-time INFR champion fired out of the chutes for 85.75 points as his home-state crowd cheered.
Selecting WSM’s Trail of Tears (WSM Auctioneers/ Clay Struve/ Dakota Rodeo/ Chad Berger) as his opponent for the final round of the weekend, the 29-year-old stood beside his dad – also a former INFR champion – on the back of the chutes, preparing to be the final ride of the night.
Re-ride flags flew in the air as judges deemed his out not technically sound, awarding him another chance to ride.
Climbing back on the chutes moments later, Louis was matched with Drago (Jeb Fredericks/ Dakota Rodeo/ Chad Berger) as fans throughout the arena were on their feet in a thunderous outcry for their home-state man.
In a flood of celebration, riders and stock contractors lept from the chutes onto the dirt as Louis’s huge 91-point score was announced, clinching the win.
Athletes just like Louis from around the world will arrive in Billings on the hunt for the coveted event buckle and Unleash The Beast standings points on the line.
The intense bull riding action at the PBR Unleash The Beast Cooper Tires Invitational, presented by Ariat, begins at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, and 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
Tickets for the three-day event will range in price from $15 to $105. Fans can purchase tickets at MetraPark.com or the Metrapark Box Office. PBRewards members will also be able to purchase by calling PBRDirect at 800-732-1727 or online at PBR.com.
PBR Elite Seats are available to provide close access to the action and an exclusive VIP experience. These tickets, available in three tiers, offer premium seats, a personal on-site concierge at the PBR fan loyalty booth, a $20 concession voucher and a souvenir credential and lanyard:
PBR Elite Experience Seats ($255) also include a post-event photo on the dirt, available for digital download after the event.
PBR VIP Elite Seats ($325) include a 30th-anniversary collectible item, a pre-show tour with PBR talent and an on-the-dirt photo presented in a PBR 30th Anniversary Season branded frame and also available for digital download.
In addition to all of the above-mentioned amenities, PBR Premier Elite Seats ($410) offer the best views in the venue and a 2023 PBR Yearbook.
For more information about the PBR and to see the full 2023 PBR Unleash The Beast schedule, visit PBR.com.
