As part of the PBR Velocity Tour, professional bull riding returns to the National Western Stock Show, adding a high-energy bull riding event alongside Denver’s traditional rodeo week.
The Professional Bull Riders is back again at the National Western Stock Show January 12-14. This event always adds high-energy to one of the most historic western events in the country.
Now in its 120th year, the National Western Stock Show continues to blend deep agricultural roots with top-tier western sports too. The return of PBR competition is part of that evolving tradition. The PBR event is held as a separate competition from the professional rodeo that also takes place during the Stock Show.
PBR’s Denver stop is part of the Velocity Tour. The PBR is on a nationally recognized circuit that features rising stars, established athletes, and some of the rankest bulls in the sport. The event is included under a long-term agreement between PBR and the National Western Stock Show, ensuring that major bull riding remains a fixture in Denver for years to come.
While the Stock Show is widely known for its ProRodeo events, livestock shows, and agricultural education, PBR brings a distinct energy to the week. Focused exclusively on bull riding, PBR attracts a broader audience, complementing the traditional rodeo crowd while expanding the overall reach of the Stock Show completely.
This kind of "dual programming" with the PRCA and PBR events is not unusual. Across the country, PBR events are frequently held in conjunction with major rodeos or livestock exhibitions during the same week, offering fans multiple ways to experience western competition. In Denver, it creates a full schedule of action that highlights both rodeo tradition and modern professional bull riding.
The National Western Stock Show, first held in 1906, has grown into one of the most influential western events in the United States. It has long drawn competitors and spectators from around the world each January. Its longevity is rooted in adaptability while honoring tradition and embracing new forms of entertainment.
For PBR, Denver provides a passionate fan base and a historic setting that aligns with continued growth. For the Stock Show, the addition of Velocity Tour bull riding helps its role as a destination event capable of hosting elite competition across all disciplines.
As the gates open for another year at the National Western Stock Show, the return of PBR bull riding adds more exciting action, that reflects both 120 years of history and the ongoing evolution of western sports.