You think you know what a rodeo looks like. Dirt, dusty hats, maybe a clown or two. But if you walk into the Covelli Centre when the PBR Youngstown Ohio stop hits town, that mental image is going to get wrecked pretty fast. It’s loud. It’s dark. It smells like a mix of diesel, expensive leather, and about 750 tons of very specific, high-grade clay.
Honestly, it’s less of a "fairground" vibe and more like a heavy metal concert where the lead singer is an 1,800-pound bovine that genuinely wants to launch a human being into the rafters.
The 2026 Schedule: When the Dust Flies
For the 2026 season, the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour is carving out its usual slot in the Mahoning Valley. If you’re looking to catch the action, mark your calendars for Friday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. Most people just show up for the Saturday night main event. That's a mistake. Friday is usually where you see the hungry, younger riders trying to make a name for themselves, and the energy is often more raw. Plus, the tickets are sometimes a few bucks cheaper if you aren't trying to fight the Saturday night date-crowd.
Why PBR Youngstown Ohio is Actually a Huge Deal
There’s a misconception that the "Velocity Tour" is just the minor leagues. That's total nonsense. While the "Unleash The Beast" tour is the premier series, the Velocity Tour is where the real drama happens. It's the expansion series where riders are clawing for points to qualify for the World Finals.
In Youngstown, the stakes are high because of the timing. By late February, the standings are starting to solidify. If a rider doesn't perform well at the Covelli Centre, their chances of seeing the bright lights of Fort Worth or Corpus Christi start to vanish.
Take João Lucas Campos, for instance. In February 2025, he absolutely dominated the Youngstown dirt. He went 2-for-3, including a massive 89.5-point ride on a bull named Sava during the championship round. That win wasn't just for a buckle; it netted him 129 Velocity Global points. Without those points, a guy like Campos doesn't get the invite to the big show.
The Logistics are Mind-Blowing
Ever wonder how a hockey arena becomes a ranch overnight? It's a logistical nightmare that a crew of 30 people handles in about 24 hours. They bring in seven semi-trucks worth of steel fencing and equipment.
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But the dirt is the real star. It’s not just "mud." It’s a specific blend of clay and sand designed to be firm enough for a bull to get traction but soft enough that when a 140-pound rider hits the ground at 20 miles per hour, they don't break every bone in their body. They use 1.5 million pounds of the stuff. If the moisture level is off by even a little bit, the bulls can’t buck correctly, and the riders are in serious danger.
The Stars of the Show (Hint: They Have Four Legs)
We talk about the cowboys, but the bulls are the real athletes. These aren't just angry farm animals. They are bred specifically for this. The American Bucking Bull is a distinct breed, and these guys live better than most humans. They get specialized diets, regular massages, and the best veterinary care money can buy.
In Youngstown, you’ll see bulls like Sava, Smack Ya, and Satan’s Love. These animals are marked on their performance just as much as the riders. A "rank" bull—that's cowboy speak for a really difficult, high-performing one—will usually score in the 40s.
Expert Note: If you see a bull that spins in a tight circle immediately out of the gate, that’s usually a high-scoring animal. It’s incredibly hard for a rider to stay centered when the centrifugal force is trying to whip them off like a ragdoll.
Who to Watch in 2026
While the official entry list usually drops closer to the event, keep an eye on guys who have historically performed well on this specific dirt. Dawson Branton won the 2024 event with a massive 255-point aggregate score. He stayed on three out of three bulls. That’s rare. Most riders are lucky to go 1-for-3 or 2-for-3.
Then there’s Ethan Winckler, who narrowly missed the top spot in 2025. He was leading going into the final round but got bucked off by a bull named Zapata at 7.31 seconds. Imagine being 0.69 seconds away from a victory and walking away with nothing but a face full of dirt. That’s PBR.
How to Actually Enjoy the Event Without Looking Like a Rookie
If you’ve never been to a PBR event at the Covelli Centre, there are a few things you should know so you don't stick out.
- The 8-Second Clock: The clock starts when the bull's shoulder or hip crosses the plane of the chute. It doesn't start when the gate opens.
- The Scoring: It’s a 100-point scale. 50 points for the bull, 50 points for the rider. If a rider stays on for 8 seconds but the bull is lazy and doesn't buck, the score will be low.
- The "Free Hand": If the rider touches the bull, themselves, or the ground with their free hand (the one not gripping the rope), they are disqualified. Instant zero.
- The Gear: Those vests the riders wear? They’re high-tech ballistic material designed to prevent a bull's horn from puncturing a lung. It's not just for fashion.
The Local Impact
Youngstown isn't exactly a ranching town, but the city turns out for this. The Covelli Centre usually sells out or comes close to it. Local bars like The Federal or V2 Wine Bar get packed before and after the show. It’s a huge economic driver for the downtown area during a month (February) when things are usually pretty slow.
Common Misconceptions About PBR
People often think bull riding is cruel to the animals. Honestly, if you saw how these bulls are treated, you’d realize they have it better than most pets. There are no "flank straps" that hurt them; the strap is just a signal to buck, tightened only enough to be felt, similar to a belt. If the bull is stressed or in pain, it won't buck well, and the owner won't make money. It’s in everyone’s best interest for the bull to be happy and healthy.
Another one? That these riders are just "tough guys" with no technique. It’s actually a game of extreme physics. A rider like Michael Lane (who took 4th in Youngstown in 2025) isn't just hanging on; he’s constantly shifting his center of gravity to counter the bull’s movements. It’s like trying to balance on a bowling ball that’s being dropped down a flight of stairs.
Actionable Steps for Your Youngstown PBR Trip
If you're planning to head to the Covelli Centre, don't just "wing it." Follow these steps to make sure you actually see the action:
- Buy Tickets Early: The lower bowl at the Covelli Centre is small. If you want to see the muscles rippling on the bull's back, you need to be in sections 100-105 or 120-125. These sell out months in advance.
- Check the "Aisle Seat" Offers: On Ticketmaster, look for the "Aisle Seat" filter. It’s worth the extra $5. You’ll be getting up a lot for drinks or bathroom breaks, and sliding past 15 people in cowboy hats is a pain.
- Arrive 60 Minutes Early: The pyrotechnics and introductions are half the fun. If you walk in right at 8:00 p.m., you’ll miss the flame throwers and the national anthem, which sets the whole tone.
- Parking: The on-site lot is $20. If you don't mind a 5-minute walk, there are cheaper municipal lots and street parking near West Federal Street.
- Watch the Warm-ups: If you can get near the chutes before the show starts, watch the riders "pull their ropes." They spend a lot of time resin-ing up their gloves. It’s a ritual that’s fascinating to see up close.
The reality of PBR Youngstown Ohio is that it’s a high-stakes, high-production sport that happens to involve a lot of dirt. Whether you’re there for the athleticism of the bulls or the sheer bravery (or insanity) of the riders, it’s easily one of the most intense things you can do in Northeast Ohio in the middle of winter. Just don't expect it to be a quiet night at the rodeo.