PBR To Welcome Fans This Weekend At The Chesapeake Energy Arena

The rodeo is riding into Oklahoma City, and for the first time in more than a year, fans are welcome to come watch the show.

Thursday, April 15th 2021, 5:09 pm



-

The rodeo is riding into Oklahoma City, and for the first time in more than a year, fans are welcome to come watch the show.

After more than a year of empty seats, the Chesapeake Energy Arena will welcome fans through its doors this weekend and the arena is already buzzing with excitement.

March 11, 2020, is the last time the sound of a cheering crowd filled the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

To arena officials it's not their first rodeo when it comes to enforcing pandemic safety precautions.

"We have been hosting NBA games for months, just in a fan-less environment, but we've already instituted many health and safety procedures and protocols," said Chesapeake Energy Arena's General Manager Chris Semraw.

As Garth Brooks says it'll be bulls and blood, dust and mud and the roar of a crowd. The Professional Bull Riding's Unleash the Beast welcomes fans back this weekend to the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

"This is what we live and work for, to host guests and create moments and memories for the community and it's been 13 months since we had that chance," said Semraw.

Safety protocols include masks, pod seating with groups of up to eight, and electronic ticket scanners and X-ray machines to scan bags at entrances will all be used to keep people safe and spaced.

"Not only to add to safety but mobile ordering from your seat will make it quicker to pick up your food and beverage selections," Semraw said.

PBR' Chief Marketing Officer Kosha Irby said despite the COVID protocols, the actual show won't change.

"They're typically about 120 to 130 pound guys strapping themselves to a 2,000 pound bull and try to hold on for 8 seconds," Irby said. "You'll stay on the edge of your seat. Every time that chute opens, and the guy comes out you find yourself going on the ride with them, literally." 

PBR has welcomed fans to shows since last summer, but have eliminated autograph sessions and fan meet and greets. Bull riders and crews travel in a bubble. They're also all tested on average every three days, and the tour has had little issues with the virus.

"It's a sport that's individual in nature. A cowboy doesn't really have to go and high-five in a huddle with someone or basketball wearing a tank top and brush someone," Irby said.

PBR's Unleash the Beast is the first event open to fans at the 'Peake but there are more headed our way this year.

Click here to see a schedule of events at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

April 15th, 2021

March 15th, 2022

February 28th, 2022

January 29th, 2022

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024