PBR bull riding comes to Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

during the third round of the 2020 World Finals Unleash the Beast PBR. Photo By: @BullStockMedia.

Jose Vitor Leme rides a bull in this handout photo from the PBR. [Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media]

The most elite bull riders from around the world will visit the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on Jan. 16-17 as part of the Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Monster Energy Invitational.

It’s the first time the league comes to Ocala, and the event is the first stop in its PBR Unleash The Beast: American Roots Edition tour.

The tour is a limited series of events scheduled for historic outdoor venues and longstanding rodeo communities across the south, according to the PBR release.

The livestock pavilion dates back to 1945 and has hosted decades of rodeos, including the Ocala Shrine Rodeo and the Florida High School Rodeo.

The event will follow all community and health guidelines in response to COVID-19, the release states.

All PBR personnel will be tested before the event and are required to wear masks. The attendance will be capped at 50% capacity, and social distancing will be encouraged.

The bull riding action kicks off a 2 p.m. on both days. Each night, 30 of the world’s top bull riders will attempt to ride one bull per round, with the top-12 riders advancing to the championship round.

Tickets for the two-day event are on sale now, with general admission tickets starting at $50. Tickets for children ages 5-12 cost $15.

To purchase tickets, you visit PBRTIX.com or call (800) 732-1727.