Professional Bull Riders in Atlanta: Your Guide to PBR Events, Tickets, and Tips

If you’re searching for “Professional Bull Riders Atlanta”, you’re probably trying to figure out when PBR comes to town, where events are held, and how to make the most of going to a bull riding show in or near Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s a clear guide to how Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and related events typically work in the Atlanta area.

Does Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Come to Atlanta?

Professional bull riding is not a year-round sport in Atlanta, but PBR tours and similar rodeo-style events do come through the metro area periodically.

You’ll typically see:

• PBR touring events (like Unleash The Beast, Velocity Tour, or other PBR-branded shows) scheduled at large indoor arenas.
• Rodeo and bull riding events at nearby fairgrounds and regional arenas around metro Atlanta.

These appearances are usually limited to specific weekends throughout the year, so it’s common for Atlanta fans to plan ahead once dates are announced.

Main Atlanta-Area Venues for Professional Bull Riding

While the exact venue can change from year to year, larger PBR events in the Atlanta area are most often held at major arenas that can handle dirt floors, livestock access, and large crowds.

Common Atlanta-area venues for bull riding and PBR-style events include:

1. State Farm Arena (Downtown Atlanta)

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What it hosts: Large-scale touring events, concerts, and sports
• Bull riding relevance: When PBR brings a major indoor tour to downtown Atlanta, State Farm Arena is a likely host because of its size, seating, and central location.

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Centennial Olympic Park area, State Farm Arena is convenient by MARTA and rideshare.

2. Gas South Arena (Duluth – Metro Atlanta)

• Location: 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
• Area: Northeast of Atlanta, in Gwinnett County
• Bull riding relevance: Many rodeo-style and bull riding events that serve the Atlanta market are held here, especially when tours want an arena with easy parking and suburban access.

For people in Gwinnett, North Fulton, or Northeast Atlanta suburbs, Gas South Arena is often easier to reach than downtown.

3. Nearby Rodeo & Bull Riding Venues

While not always branded as “Professional Bull Riders” events, smaller rodeos and bull riding competitions sometimes take place at regional arenas and fairgrounds around metro Atlanta, such as:

• Cumming Fairgrounds – Cumming, GA
• Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) – Hampton, GA (occasionally hosts special motorsports and western-style events)
• County and regional rodeos within a 1–2 hour drive of the city

These may not always be official PBR events but can still feature professional or semi-professional bull riders, barrel racing, roping, and other rodeo events.

How to Find Upcoming PBR Events in Atlanta

Because bull riding events are date-specific and tour-based, the most reliable approach is to check regularly and plan as soon as a tour date appears.

Here’s how Atlanta residents and visitors typically stay updated:

• Search by city: Use “Atlanta” as the city filter on event and ticket platforms.
• Check major arena calendars:
  • State Farm Arena event calendar
  • Gas South Arena event calendar
• Look for “PBR,” “Professional Bull Riders,” “bull riding,” or “rodeo” in event listings.
• Follow local event listings: Many Atlanta-focused event calendars highlight national tours when they come through town.

Because schedules can change, it’s smart to confirm dates and times close to the event, especially if you’re traveling into Atlanta.

What to Expect at a Professional Bull Riding Event in Atlanta

Whether you catch PBR at State Farm Arena, Gas South Arena, or another nearby venue, most Atlanta bull riding events share some common features.

Event Format

You’ll typically see:

• 8-second rides: Riders try to stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds to score.
• Scoring system: Both the bull and the rider are scored; higher scores come from tougher bulls and better control.
• Multiple rounds: Events often run over a few hours, with multiple riders and rounds.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: Many Atlanta events are positioned as family entertainment, though the sport itself is intense and loud.

Typical Schedule

Event times can vary, but a typical PBR-style show in metro Atlanta might look like:

Plan to arrive early to get through security, find your seat, and adjust to the indoor arena environment.

Buying Tickets for PBR in Atlanta

When PBR comes to Atlanta, tickets usually sell through the major arena’s box office and well-known ticket platforms.

Here’s how locals typically approach buying:

• Check the official arena box office first to see pricing tiers and seating maps.
• Compare dates and showtimes, especially if there are multiple performances during a weekend.
• Decide on seat type:
  • Lower bowl/close to the chutes: more intense, up-close view
  • Upper levels: wider view of the entire arena
• Look for family or group options if you’re going with several people.

If you’re driving in from outside the city, factor in parking costs and traffic (especially for downtown events at State Farm Arena during evenings and weekends).

Parking, Transit, and Getting to Bull Riding Events

Getting to State Farm Arena (Downtown Atlanta)

• MARTA:
  • Take the Blue or Green line to GWCC/CNN Center Station or Vine City Station.
  • This is often the easiest way to avoid downtown traffic and parking.
• Driving/Parking:
  • Multiple decks and lots surround the arena and nearby venues.
  • Plan extra time if your event overlaps with other downtown events (NBA, concerts, or football across the street at Mercedes-Benz Stadium).

Getting to Gas South Arena (Duluth)

• Driving:
  • Directly off Sugarloaf Parkway near I-85.
  • Large on-site parking lots, but they can get congested at peak arrival and departure times.
• Rideshare:
  • Drop-off and pick-up areas are typically marked for events.

If you’re attending with kids or a group, consider arriving 30–60 minutes before showtime to get settled.

What to Wear and Bring to a Bull Riding Event in Atlanta

Arena rules can differ, but these general tips usually help:

Clothing

• Comfortable casual wear: Jeans, t-shirts, or casual tops are common.
• Western flair welcome: Cowboy boots, hats, and western-style shirts are popular but not required.
• Layers: Arenas can feel cool at first and warmer as crowds fill in, so a light jacket or layer is helpful.

Practical Items

• Ear protection: The combination of music, crowd noise, and announcers can be loud, especially for children. Simple earplugs or earmuffs can make it more comfortable.
• Clear bag (if required):
  • Many Atlanta venues use clear bag policies, limiting bag size and type.
  • Check the venue’s bag rules before you go.
• Cash/card: For concessions, parking, and merchandise. Some venues are cashless, so a card or digital payment method is important.

Is a PBR Event Kid-Friendly in Atlanta?

Many Atlanta families bring children to PBR and other bull riding events, but it’s helpful to know what to expect:

• Noise and intensity:
  • The action is fast and sometimes dramatic.
  • Young children may find the atmosphere overwhelming without ear protection.
• Length:
  • Shows can last several hours, including intermissions.
• Content:
  • The focus is on sport and competition, but there are falls, close calls, and visible physical exertion from riders and bulls.

If your child enjoys sports, animals, and high-energy events, a bull riding show can be memorable. If they’re sensitive to loud noises or intense action, prep them beforehand and consider sitting a bit higher up in the arena for a less intense experience.

For Visitors: Combining PBR With an Atlanta Trip

If you’re traveling to Atlanta for a Professional Bull Riders event, you can easily pair it with nearby attractions depending on the venue:

Near State Farm Arena (Downtown)

All within walking distance:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame

Staying in Downtown or Midtown gives you easy access to these plus MARTA.

Near Gas South Arena (Duluth)

Close options in the Duluth/Lawrenceville area include:

• Shopping and dining along Sugarloaf Parkway and nearby retail centers
• Family-friendly restaurants and entertainment in suburban Gwinnett County

You can stay at hotels near Gas South District if you want to walk or take a short drive to the event.

Safety and Animal Welfare Considerations

People in Atlanta often ask questions about safety and animal treatment around bull riding.

• Rider safety:
  • Riders wear helmets or cowboy hats, protective vests, and sometimes face gear.
  • Medical staff are usually on-site for professional events.
• Animal care:
  • PBR and many professional circuits emphasize bull health and care, as the bulls are a major part of the sport.
  • Rules around equipment and handling are generally standardized and monitored.

If these issues matter to you, you can look up event and tour rules or policies before buying tickets to better understand how they address safety and animal welfare.

Quick FAQ: Professional Bull Riders in Atlanta

Do Professional Bull Riders (PBR) come to Atlanta every year?
Not always on a strict yearly schedule, but Atlanta is a regular stop or nearby market for PBR tours and major rodeo-style events.

Where are PBR events usually held in Atlanta?
Often at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta or Gas South Arena in Duluth, with additional rodeo/bull riding events popping up at regional venues around metro Atlanta.

How far in advance should I buy tickets?
For big weekend shows, locals often buy as soon as dates are announced, especially for preferred seating or family sections.

Is public transit an option?
Yes, especially to State Farm Arena via MARTA rail. For Gas South Arena and other suburban venues, driving or rideshare is more common.

If you’re in or around Atlanta, Georgia and you want to experience the excitement of Professional Bull Riders, your best move is to watch the major arena calendars and PBR tour schedules, pick your preferred venue (downtown or suburban), and plan a full evening around the event—parking, transit, food, and all.