The biggest event in bull riding is coming to Arizona, and it's going to be a wild ride. The 2027 PBR World Finals: Championship will take place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale from May 20-23, marking a major milestone in the sport's expansion. This is the first major event to emerge from a multi-year partnership between TKO Group Holdings and the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, a deal announced just yesterday that promises to bring world-class competition to the desert.
For fans of the Professional Bull Riders, this is a game-changer. The Phoenix area has long been a stronghold for the sport, hosting the Arizona Ridge Riders—a team rodeo franchise that's been a fan favorite since its founding in 2022. And with Ridge Riders Days already on the calendar for this October in Glendale, the momentum is building fast. "Arizona is a proven championship stage," said Sean Gleason, PBR CEO and commissioner, in a statement. "Home to Super Bowls, College Football Playoff games, and the Fiesta Bowl—and a strong market for PBR, where we've held premier events at Desert Diamond Arena for more than a decade."
The PBR World Finals have a storied history. From 1994 to 2021, the championship was held in Las Vegas, the sport's longtime home. Then, in 2022, it moved to Texas, where the organization's headquarters in Fort Worth became the new epicenter. Now, the 2027 finals will split the action: opening rounds will take place May 6-9 at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, before the championship weekend shifts to Glendale. This two-city format is a bold move, giving fans on both sides of the country a chance to witness the best bull riders in the world.
Tickets go on sale May 14 at 10 a.m. MST, and you can grab yours at PBRWorldFinals.com/2027. Whether you're a seasoned rodeo fan or new to the sport, this is a chance to see history in the making—and maybe pick up some gear to show your support. After all, nothing says "championship spirit" like a fresh PBR hat or a Ridge Riders t-shirt. Mark your calendars, Arizona. The bulls are coming.