ALBANY, N.Y. – The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will return to Albany when top bull riders and their bovine dance partners storm into MVP Arena Dec. 12-13. PBR has held some great events in MVP Arena for the past three years, with the Velocity Tour making its first appearance since 2017.

Skeeter Kingsolver took home the buckle when the Velocity Tour arrived in Albany in 2017, riding Lights Out for 86.5 points, the highest score of the two-round, one-day event. Both athletes have since retired.

Over the course of the two-day event in mid-December, 35 top riders will appear in the two initial rounds, taking on some of the sport’s toughest bulls. After two rounds, the top 10 riders with the highest aggregate scores ride for a chance at the event title.

The riders will battle it out for crucial Velocity points, which contribute to the Velocity Global Standings and determine who qualifies for the season-ending Velocity Tour Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas, the first week of May 2026. In addition to a VT Championship, the Top 3 Velocity Finals riders not already qualified for PBR World Finals earn the right to compete at the World Championship event the second week of May 2026.

The two-day event at MVP Arena featuring riders determined to punch their ticket to the PWVT Finals in May 2026 begins on Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. ET and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned to PBR.com for the full 2026 Velocity Tour schedule announcement along with the latest news and results. Be sure to follow the sport on all social media platforms at @PBR.

Tickets can be purchased:

• At the MVP Arena Box Office

• Online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com/tickets

• PBRewards Members can also call PBRDirect at 800-732-1727 or purchase via PBR.com

EVENT FAST FACTS

• 750 tons of dirt (1.5 million pounds) are brought in to transform MVP Arena into a bull-riding mecca.

• The dirt is a special clay-sand blend establishing a firm enough surface for the bulls to buck hard but soft enough so that every rider is not injured when thrown like a rag doll.

• It takes 7 semi-trucks to haul in the equipment for the event.

• A crew of about 30 works around the clock to prepare the venue.

• Over 50 of the rankest bucking bulls on the planet will be on site.

• PBR bulls are remarkable animal athletes born to buck. Each is a member of a special breed: The American Bucking Bull.

• By virtue of competing in PBR, they get the best food and care, avoiding a very brief career in the meat packing industry.

• The average PBR bull weighs 1,800 pounds.

• The average bull rider? Just 140 lbs.

Don’t miss this action-packed weekend where man and beast collide in one of the most electrifying shows in sports — the only sport showcasing a lightweight taking on a heavyweight. Whether you’re a seasoned PBR fan or new to the scene, PBR Albany is an event that will keep everyone on the edge of their seat.