PBR
Greensboro

Understanding PBR Teams: The Evolution of Bull Riding

The PBR Teams format revolutionizes traditional rodeo by transforming bull riding into fast-paced team competition. Unlike individual PBR events where riders accumulate points across an entire season, Teams events feature head-to-head matchups where franchises compete directly against each other. Each team deploys five riders per session, with their combined scores determining victory or defeat. This creates strategic depth as coaches must decide which riders face which bulls, balancing aggregate scoring with individual rider strengths.

The Carolina Cowboys exemplify this strategic approach. Their 2024 championship run included multiple perfect 5-for-5 games—an extraordinary achievement in a sport where staying aboard a bucking bull for eight seconds represents the pinnacle of difficulty. Their historic 448-point aggregate in one game remains the highest single-game total in PBR Teams history. This dominance reflects not just individual talent but cohesive teamwork and strategic coaching.

The Bulls: Athletes in Their Own Right

Professional bull riding recognizes that bulls are elite athletes deserving respect and star treatment. These 1,800-2,000 pound animals possess explosive power, cat-like agility, and competitive spirits that make them formidable opponents. Top bucking bulls like Woopaa, Smooth Operator, and Spotted Demon have fan followings rivaling human competitors. Bulls compete only 2-3 minutes annually—brief bursts of athletic exertion that require year-round training and care.

The Professional Bull Riders organization maintains rigorous animal welfare standards. Bulls receive veterinary care exceeding most livestock standards, with nutritionists, exercise regimens, and retirement planning ensuring their wellbeing. These animals aren't forced to buck—they're bred and selected for their natural bucking ability and competitive temperament. Bulls that don't want to buck simply don't participate, as forcing an unwilling animal produces poor performance.

What Makes PBR Cowboy Days Special

The annual Greensboro homestand represents the Cowboys' opportunity to perform before family, friends, and loyal fans who've supported them from their inception. Home field advantage in PBR Teams provides genuine competitive benefits—familiar surroundings, supportive crowds, and the comfort of sleeping in one's own bed rather than hotel rooms. The Cowboys historically perform better during Cowboy Days, feeding off crowd energy and local pride.

Beyond competition, Cowboy Days features interactive fan experiences unavailable at neutral-site events. Meet-and-greets with riders, behind-the-scenes bull pen tours, autograph sessions, and family-friendly activities create lasting memories. The First Horizon Coliseum transforms into a Western celebration with country music, cowboy culture displays, and Carolina pride permeating every corner.

First Horizon Coliseum: North Carolina's Premier Sports Venue

Located in the heart of Greensboro, First Horizon Coliseum (formerly Greensboro Coliseum) ranks among the nation's most versatile entertainment venues. With 22,000 capacity for concerts and 15,000 for sporting events, the facility has hosted everything from ACC basketball tournaments to major concerts and professional wrestling. For PBR events, the arena configuration creates intimate atmosphere despite its size, placing even upper-level seats close enough to feel the action.

The venue's modern amenities include comfortable seating, excellent sightlines, climate control, accessible facilities, and numerous concession options serving traditional arena fare plus local North Carolina favorites. Ample parking surrounds the complex, with covered decks protecting vehicles from weather. Downtown Greensboro's restaurants, hotels, and attractions sit minutes away, making Cowboy Days weekends easy to plan as full family outings.

Carolina Cowboys: From Expansion to Champions

The Carolina Cowboys' journey from expansion franchise to PBR Teams Champions represents one of sport's great underdog stories. During their inaugural 2023 season based in Winston-Salem, the team struggled to find identity while learning the Teams format. Their relocation to Greensboro in 2024 sparked transformation. With home crowd support, refined strategy under Coach Jerome Davis, and roster additions including elite veterans, the Cowboys dominated.

Their 2024 regular season finished 18-9-1, second-best in the league. During playoffs in Las Vegas, they defeated the Florida Freedom in semifinals before facing Austin in the championship game. Though falling short in the final, Carolina's remarkable season established them as perennial contenders. The 2025 season saw redemption as they claimed their first championship, cementing their status as PBR Teams royalty.

Key roster members include Daylon Swearingen, whose 2022 individual PBR World Championship precedes his Teams success; Cooper Davis, the 2016 World Champion known for technical riding and mental toughness; and emerging talents who've developed under Coach Jerome Davis's mentorship. General manager Austin Dillon brings NASCAR's competitive culture and winning mentality, creating synergy between motorsports and rodeo rarely seen in professional athletics.

How to Experience PBR Cowboy Days

Tickets for PBR Cowboy Days offer exceptional value with three-day packages providing discounts across all sessions. Single-session tickets accommodate fans who can only attend one performance, while premium seating closer to the chutes delivers unmatched immersion in bull riding action. BigStub, a highly-rated ticket resale marketplace with over 20 years operation, connects fans with verified sellers offering competitive pricing across all seating levels.

Arrive early to explore pre-event activities, purchase official Carolina Cowboys merchandise, and secure refreshments before crowds intensify. Each session runs approximately two hours with intermissions, making events family-friendly while maintaining excitement throughout. First-time attendees should expect loud music, dramatic lighting, and crowd participation that transforms spectators into active participants cheering every ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About PBR Greensboro

When is PBR Cowboy Days in Greensboro?

PBR Cowboy Days takes place September 18-20, 2026 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The schedule includes Friday, September 18 at 7:45 PM, Saturday, September 19 at 6:45 PM, and Sunday, September 20 at 12:15 PM. This three-day homestand features the Carolina Cowboys competing in PBR Teams competition against visiting franchises.

What are the Carolina Cowboys?

The Carolina Cowboys are the Carolinas' first professional bull riding team, competing in PBR Teams. Owned by NASCAR legend Richard Childress with Austin Dillon as general manager, the team won the 2024 PBR Teams Championship. They're coached by PBR Co-Founder Jerome Davis and feature elite riders including 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen and 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis. The team relocated to Greensboro in 2023 and calls First Horizon Coliseum home.

How does PBR Teams differ from traditional bull riding?

PBR Teams transforms bull riding from individual competition into team-based sport. Eight franchises compete head-to-head with five riders per team each session. Combined scores determine winners, creating strategic depth as coaches decide which riders face which bulls. Traditional PBR features individual riders accumulating season points, while Teams emphasizes collective performance, coaching strategy, and franchise loyalty similar to traditional team sports.

How can I buy tickets for PBR Greensboro?

Tickets are available through authorized resale marketplaces including BigStub, a highly-rated ticket broker with over 20 years of operation. As a resale platform, BigStub connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. Three-day packages provide discounts, while single-session tickets accommodate specific attendance preferences. All purchases include buyer protection and transparent pricing with fees disclosed upfront.

What should I expect at a PBR event?

Expect approximately two hours of action-packed entertainment featuring eight-second bull rides, dramatic wrecks, athletic recoveries, and championship-level competition. Events include loud country music, dramatic lighting, pyrotechnics during team introductions, and interactive crowd participation. Between rides, announcers explain scoring, highlight rider and bull statistics, and build excitement. Family-friendly atmosphere welcomes all ages, though volume levels and intense action may overwhelm very young children.

Are PBR events family-friendly?

Yes, PBR events welcome families and children of all ages. The sport combines athleticism with Western culture in entertaining format that captivates multiple generations. While bull riding involves inherent risk creating tense moments, riders wear protective equipment and medical personnel stand ready. Many families attend together, introducing children to rodeo heritage while enjoying modern sporting entertainment. Cowboy Days specifically emphasizes family programming with interactive activities beyond the competition.

How long does each PBR session last?

Each session runs approximately two hours including competition and intermissions. Friday and Saturday evening sessions begin later to accommodate work schedules, while Sunday's afternoon start time suits families. Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes early for parking, entry, merchandise shopping, and concessions. The venue clears within 30 minutes after events conclude, with parking lot traffic managed efficiently despite capacity crowds.

What is the seating like at First Horizon Coliseum?

First Horizon Coliseum offers tiered seating from floor-level premium seats near the chutes to upper-level affordable options with excellent sightlines. All seats provide clear views of the arena floor where bull riding occurs. Premium seating delivers proximity to riders, bulls, and action, while upper levels offer panoramic perspectives showing full arena spectacle. The venue features comfortable stadium seating, accessible facilities, climate control, and modern amenities throughout.

Can I meet the riders and bulls?

Cowboy Days features special meet-and-greet opportunities, autograph sessions, and behind-the-scenes experiences not available at neutral-site events. Specific schedules are announced closer to event dates through Carolina Cowboys social media channels. Bull pen tours allow fans to see these elite animal athletes up close while learning about their care and training. Riders often interact with fans in concourse areas before and after sessions, creating memorable personal connections.

What should I wear to a PBR event?

Western attire including jeans, boots, and cowboy hats fits perfectly, though any comfortable clothing works well. Many fans embrace cowboy culture by dressing accordingly, creating festive atmosphere. The venue maintains comfortable climate control year-round, so light layers accommodate personal preference. Avoid obstructive headwear if seated behind others, as large hats may block views. Comfortable shoes support arena walking and standing during exciting moments.

Is parking available at the venue?

First Horizon Coliseum provides extensive parking surrounding the venue with clearly marked lots and covered deck options. Parking fees apply on event days, collected at entry gates. Arrive early for convenient spaces closest to entrances. Alternative transportation includes rideshare services with designated drop-off zones near venue entrances. Downtown Greensboro hotels within walking distance offer accommodation convenience for weekend attendees.

Are there food and drink options at the venue?

Multiple concession stands throughout First Horizon Coliseum serve traditional arena fare including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft drinks, and adult beverages. Several stands offer expanded menus with local North Carolina favorites. The venue operates cashless payment systems requiring debit or credit cards. Food and beverage prices reflect typical arena pricing. Outside food and drink are generally prohibited, though exceptions accommodate specific dietary or medical needs.

What makes the Carolina Cowboys special?

The Cowboys represent the Carolinas' first professional bull riding team, creating regional pride and franchise loyalty. Their rapid rise from expansion team to championship contenders mirrors the region's competitive spirit. Ownership by NASCAR royalty Richard Childress and management by Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon bridge motorsports and rodeo communities. Their championship pedigree, elite roster, and community engagement establish them as premier PBR Teams franchise.

How are bull riding scores calculated?

Rides are scored out of 100 points maximum—50 for the rider's performance and 50 for the bull's performance. Judges evaluate rider control, spurring technique, and style while assessing bull power, speed, agility, and difficulty. Qualified rides require eight full seconds aboard the bull. Higher-scoring bulls create opportunity for higher rider scores, as dominating a tougher bull demonstrates greater skill. Team competition aggregates individual ride scores to determine winners.

What happens if a rider gets hurt?

Professional bull riders compete with comprehensive medical support including sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians present at every event. PBR maintains strict safety protocols with protective equipment requirements, rider training programs, and rapid response procedures. While injuries occur in this extreme sport, modern safety measures significantly reduce serious harm. Riders demonstrate remarkable resilience, often competing through minor injuries that would sideline athletes in other sports.