KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (November 2, 2022) – For the fifth time in organization’s history, PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will buck into Knoxville, Tennessee, returning to Thompson-Boling Arena on March 4, 2023 with the PBR Knoxville Invitational.
For one night only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes in the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast in one of the most exciting live sporting events to witness.
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 Knoxville Invitational will mark the 18th event of the new individual season for the PBR’s expansion series. Eventgoers will watch on as riders vie for crucial points in the race to be crowned the 2023 PBR Velocity Tour Champion.
When the PBR last travelled to Knoxville in February 2022, Tye Chandler (Celina, Texas) delivered a flawless 2-for-2 performance to win the PBR Knoxville Invitational and catapult more than 50 positions in the race for the 2022 PBR World Championship.
In Round 1, Chandler was one of 11 riders to deliver a qualified ride. Covering Yellow Water (Fenzel Bucking Bulls) for 81.5 points, the Texan advanced to the championship round positioned ninth on the event leaderboard.
Chandler next went head-to-head with Hey Bartender (JQH Bucking Bulls-Skip & Elaine Jones), reaching the requisite 8 for an event-best 88.5 points to clinch the event win.
For his efforts, Chandler earned a crucial 37 world points. After traveling to the Volunteer State ranked No. 103 in the world, he gained 56 positions in the standings, rising to No. 47.
Other past PBR Knoxville Invitational event winners include: Joao Henrique Lucas (2020 – Bastos, Brazil); Dylan Smith (2019 – Ararat, Virginia); Ryan Miller (2018 – Waterloo, Indiana).
On Saturday evening, all 40 competing riders will attempt one bull each in Round 1. Following the opening round, the Top 15 will then advance to the championship round where they will attempt one final bull, all in an effort to be crowned the event champion.
Tickets for the one-day event go on sale Friday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. ET, and start at $15, taxes and fees not included. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com, at the Thompson-Boling Arena Box Office or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727.
PBR Elite Seats are available for avid fans who want an exclusive VIP experience while enjoying one of the world’s top bull riding circuits. These tickets, available in three tiers, offer premium seats, personal on-site concierge at the PBR fan loyalty booth, on-the-dirt photo available for digital download following the event, $10 concession voucher and souvenir credential and lanyard.
Priced at $155 is the PBR Plus Seats and $195 is the PBR VIP Elite Seats. In addition to the above benefits, the VIP Elite Seats also include a pre-event, backstage tour by some of the PBR’s top riders, stock contractors and personnel.
Available at $285, the PBR Premier Elite Seats, which will offer the best views in the venue, will also include limited-edition 30th anniversary season hat and a pre-event tour.
For more information about the PBR and to see the full 2023 PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour schedule, visit PBR.com.
About the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour:
The PBR’s Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) began in 2014 as the premier expansion tour for the PBR. The Velocity Tour, the sport’s fastest-growing tour, brings the excitement and top-levels of cowboy and bovine talent that fans have come to expect from the sport to cities across the United States. The PWVT is proudly supported by Pendleton Whisky, Audacious Wreck Relief, Boot Barn, Cooper Tires, Fram-Autolite, Kubota, Rank 45, South Point Hotel & Casino, TicketSmarter, Tractor Supply, Union Home Mortgage, the United States Border Patrol, and Zip Recruiter. Every Velocity Tour event is carried on PBR RidePass on Pluto TV, PBR’s flagship digital network.
Kacie Albert
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