News Summary
Florida State University will host its first Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Unleash The Beast event at Doak S. Campbell Stadium, transforming the venue into a bull riding arena. The event promises thrilling 8-second challenges featuring top bull riders and a major concert each night. With a $200,000 prize purse at stake, the competition is a major addition to FSU’s event calendar, aiming to boost local entertainment offerings and diversify revenue streams for the university’s athletics programs.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State University is set to host its first-ever Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Unleash The Beast event at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on March 13-14, 2026. This historic occasion will transform the stadium into a bull riding and entertainment arena, marking a significant addition to the university’s event lineup.
The PBR Florida State at Doak is part of the 2026 premier individual tour regular season and will be the 13th of 18 events in the series. This major bull riding competition is expected to showcase some of the world’s best bull riders as they face off against elite animal athletes in intense 8-second challenges.
As a pivotal PBR Major event, the competition will come with higher stakes, featuring a $200,000 prize purse and granting significant points towards the season-long championship. In addition to the thrilling rides, both evenings will conclude with a high-energy concert featuring a major music act, with details about the artists to be announced later.
Sean Gleason, CEO of PBR, has highlighted the partnership with Florida State University as an exciting opportunity for both fans and the university. The event is designed to generate revenue for FSU’s athletics programs by diversifying the types of major events hosted, moving beyond traditional football games.
Excitement resonates within the university community, with FSU Athletics Vice President and Director of Athletics expressing anticipation about bringing PBR to Tallahassee and the broader Big Bend region. This event is expected to invigorate local entertainment offerings and attract a diverse audience.
Host preparations will involve substantial logistical efforts, including the transportation of 5.5 million pounds of dirt to cover approximately 30,000 square feet of the stadium. The dirt will be a specialized blend of clay and sand, specifically selected to provide a safe and competitive riding surface for both bulls and riders. Approximately 50 workers will assist in the preparation over the course of a week, utilizing 20 semi-trucks for equipment transport.
In terms of competition, over 50 of the top bucking bulls will participate, each recognized within the sport as star athletes. PBR bulls typically average 1,800 pounds in weight, while the riders average around 140 pounds, showcasing the unique dynamics of the sport.
Ticket sales will be announced in the coming weeks, along with more details regarding the music performances for the concerts. Fans interested in attending can sign up for updates on the event to remain informed about ticketing and artist announcements.
This inaugural bull riding event at one of Florida’s most renowned sports venues represents a significant milestone for both Florida State University and the PBR, bringing an exhilarating experience to fans and opening doors for future entertainment events at the stadium.
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Additional Resources
- Florida State University News
- PBR Velocity Tour
- Tallahassee.com – PBR Event Coverage
- Miami Herald – National News
- FSU News – Rodeo Experience
- Wikipedia: Professional Bull Riders
- Google Search: Events at Florida State University
- Google Scholar: Professional Bull Riding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bull Riding
- Google News: PBR Florida State University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
