Ocean City professional bull riding event to return in May: Everything you need to know

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·4 min read

When it comes to bull riding, this ain't Ocean City's first rodeo.

For the third consecutive season, the Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series will buck into Ocean City, Maryland, this summer for the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic.

The PBR Challenger Series holds more than 60 events across the country from May to October, culminating with its Championship in late October in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Now, for three days only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes in the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast in a series showcasing one of the most exciting live sporting events to witness, according to a news release.

Here's everything you need to know about the wild, rodeo-inspired event.

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Ocean City mayor welcomes return of bull riders to the beach

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan is ready for the competition to return.

“Ocean City is thrilled to welcome back PBR to the beach,” said Mayor Meehan. “This adrenaline-pumping event had great success the past two years and we are excited to bring the competition back. Get ready to witness the ultimate showdown of strength, skill and courage right here in Ocean City, where the action never stops!”

"We're excited to have PBR return for the third year in a row,” added Tom Perlozzo, Director of Tourism and Business Development for Ocean City. “Hosting this event adds excitement to our community and sets the stage for a great start to summer. PBR consistently delivers an unforgettable experience, and we're proud to feature our city as the venue for this electrifying event."

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When and where is the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic?

Bull riders from the PBR Challenger Series showcased their talents before a packed crowd at the Ocean City Inlet on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is the second year in a row that the Professional Bull Rider series has come to the town.
Bull riders from the PBR Challenger Series showcased their talents before a packed crowd at the Ocean City Inlet on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is the second year in a row that the Professional Bull Rider series has come to the town.

This year's PBR competition is set to take place from May 31 to June 2 at the Ocean City Inlet, just steps away from the vast Atlantic Ocean and the resort town's historic Boardwalk. The bull riding action will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.

The PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic is held at one of the most captivating venues — and most travelled to vacation destinations on the east coast — across the entire 2024 PBR schedule, the release stated.

“There’s something very special about bulls at the beach, making Ocean City one of our tour’s most popular stops coast to coast,” said Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO, PBR. “The past two years we’ve hosted capacity crowds in the Ocean City Inlet and are thrilled to come back for the third straight year.”

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Where to purchase tickets for the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic

Tickets for the three-day PBR event are on sale now.

Three-day and two-day ticket packages are available, offering fans a 20% discount on select price levels. Tickets start at $40, taxes and fees not included. Tickets can be purchased online at ETIX.com and PBR.com, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727.

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Who won the PBR Ocean City competition in 2022 and 2023?

Bull riders from the PBR Challenger Series showcased their talents before a packed crowd at the Ocean City Inlet on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is the second year in a row that the Professional Bull Rider series has come to the town.
Bull riders from the PBR Challenger Series showcased their talents before a packed crowd at the Ocean City Inlet on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This is the second year in a row that the Professional Bull Rider series has come to the town.

The PBR event debuted with 40 of the world’s best bull riders at the Ocean City Inlet in June 2022.

Backed by a 2-for-4 showing, Eduardo de Oliveira (Nova Lacerda, Brazil) won his career-first PBR event in Ocean City in 2022. Oliveira earned 34.5 Challenger Series points, propelling him to No. 3 in the series standings. When the season came to an end, Oliveira finished the campaign ranked No. 29.

Alex Cerqueira (Iguatemi, Brazil) dominated in 2023, winning the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic and cracking the Top 10 in the tour’s standings. Cerqueira earned 128 Challenger Series points, vaulting to No. 7 in the series standings. In the end, Cerqueira finished No. 10 in the series standings.

All competing bull riders will get on one bull each in Rounds 1-3. Following Round 3 on Sunday afternoon, the riders’ individual three-round scores will be totaled. with the Top 10 advancing to the championship round for one more ride and a chance at the event title.

More information about the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic and the full 2024 PBR Challenger Series schedule can be found on PBR.com.

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City bull riding event set for summer 2024: All you need to know