HAMPTON, Va. – Returning to Hampton for the twelfth time in thirteen years, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Velocity Tour will storm into Hampton Coliseum February 6-7, 2026 as the rankest bulls and toughest cowboys square up against each other.
Dener Barbosa, a 31-year-old cowboy who rides for the Austin Gamblers in the separate PBR Teams league, took home the buckle in Hampton during the 2024 season with 171 aggregate points over the two rounds and the championship round.
Over the course of the two-day event in early February, 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 in May 2026.
The two-day event at Hampton Coliseum featuring riders determined to punch their ticket to the PWVT Finals in May 2026 begins on Friday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET and Saturday, Feb. 7 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 Hampton Coliseum Box Office – Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com
• 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 Hampton Coliseum 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 Hampton is an event that will keep everyone on the edge of their seat.
Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media