PBR Velocity Tour Returns to Albany with Champion Jordan Toney Leading the Pack

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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PBR Returns to Albany with the Velocity Tour, Reigning Champion Heads the Field

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) announced that its Velocity Tour—a developmental circuit that serves as a proving ground for up‑and‑coming talent—will be heading back to Albany, New York, this spring. The event, slated for the end of April at the state‑of‑the‑art Alma Gymnasium, is the first time the city will host a Velocity competition since 2019. The headline attraction will be the reigning Velocity champion, Jordan Toney, who is slated to defend his title against a field of 12 riders.

Why Albany?

The article explains that Albany’s selection as a host city reflects PBR’s ongoing strategy to broaden the sport’s reach beyond the traditional heartland of Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana. In an interview with the venue’s marketing director, it was noted that the city has a strong local sports culture, a passionate fan base for high‑octane events, and a proven track record of supporting large sporting occasions, such as the annual State Fair and the long‑running Alma Gym Arena’s professional wrestling shows. The venue’s 10,000‑seat capacity and state‑of‑the‑art bullring design, featuring a concrete floor and a fully retractable roof, make it ideal for a Velocity event, which typically draws 5,000–8,000 attendees per show.

The Velocity Tour and Its Mission

The PBR Velocity Tour is described as the “bush league” of professional bull riding, designed to help younger athletes build the skills and reputation needed to advance to the PBR Elite Series, which is the top tier of the sport. Riders compete in regional events, earning points that are tallied in the Velocity ranking system. The top ten riders in the standings at the end of the season earn invitations to the PBR World Finals, the marquee championship event that takes place each October in Las Vegas.

According to the linked PBR Velocity Tour page, the tour features 40 events annually across North America, each with a prize purse ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. The Albany show will be the 12th stop on the 2024 circuit, and it will be a “major” event, meaning it offers more points and a larger purse than a standard Velocity stop.

Jordan Toney: The 2023 Champion

The article dedicates a sizeable portion to Jordan Toney, who won the Velocity Tour title last season with a record‑breaking 12‑ride win streak. Toney is a 24‑year‑old rider from Texas who made his professional debut in 2021. In 2023, he went undefeated in 14 attempts, a feat that earned him both the Most Valuable Rider award and a $25,000 bonus from the PBR. The linked rider profile on the PBR website gives readers deeper insight into Toney’s background, including his early days riding in local rodeos, his decision to move to Texas for higher‑level competition, and his training regimen that focuses on strength, flexibility, and mental resilience.

Toney’s championship season was highlighted by spectacular performances on some of the toughest bulls in the circuit, including “Cyclone” and “Blizzard.” He has been praised for his aggressive but controlled riding style and his remarkable ability to finish with high scores even after missing a rope on a bull’s initial charge. In the upcoming Albany event, Toney is expected to bring the same energy and skill that made him a fan favorite.

Competition Format and Scoring

The Velocity Tour follows the same competition format as the Elite Series: 12 riders compete in a series of 12 rides, with the bull roster typically including a mix of medium‑size bulls (100–120 lbs) and larger ones (120–140 lbs). Rides are scored out of 100 points, with 60 points allotted for rider skill and 40 for bull performance. A perfect 100 is rare, and scores above 90 are considered elite.

The article quotes the event’s chief judge, Lena Ortiz, who emphasizes the importance of “fairness and consistency” in scoring. She explains that judges will observe each rider’s control, use of the rope, and finish position before delivering a score. In the event of a disqualification (e.g., for a fall or a rider stepping out of the saddle after the bull is still running), the rider is marked as a DQ and receives zero points for that run.

What Fans Can Expect

For fans in Albany, the PBR is offering a package deal that includes pre‑event entertainment, such as a local DJ, a photo‑op with a life‑size bull mascot, and a Q&A session with the riders after the competition. A special “Pride of the Plains” area will feature a historical display of PBR’s evolution, with photos and trophies from the early 2000s. The event is also a family‑friendly affair, with a designated children’s zone that will run a “Rodeo 101” workshop where kids can learn about bull riding safety and the gear used by professional riders.

In addition to the main competition, the Albany stop will host the Velocity Rising Stars showcase, a 15‑minute freestyle competition featuring up‑and‑coming riders who have not yet entered the top 10 of the season standings. The winner will receive a cash prize and a one‑month invitation to attend an elite training camp run by the PBR’s developmental coaching staff.

Ticketing, Broadcast, and Sponsorship

Tickets for the Albany event start at $30 for general admission and $60 for premium seats that provide a 360‑degree view of the bullring. Early‑bird discounts are available until March 15, with a $5 discount for students and senior citizens. A full‑season pass for the Velocity Tour is also on sale, priced at $350, which offers discounted admission to all Velocity events in 2024.

The event will be broadcast live on the PBR Network (streamed via the official app) and will also be televised locally on the Albany Sports Network for viewers who prefer traditional TV. For sponsors, the event offers a range of opportunities from title sponsorship of the arena, to brand placement on rider gear, to in‑ring advertisements. The PBR’s own sponsor, Rodeo Brands, will provide branded bull equipment and safety gear for the riders.

Final Takeaway

The PBR Velocity Tour’s return to Albany is more than just another rodeo on the calendar; it is a significant moment for the city’s sporting culture, an opportunity for local fans to witness the next generation of bull riding talent, and a stage for the reigning champion, Jordan Toney, to defend his title. With a well‑structured competition format, top‑notch judging, fan‑centric programming, and strong community involvement, the event promises to be a thrilling experience for riders, spectators, and the entire Albany community alike. Mark your calendars: April 28th – the bullring in Albany will roar once again.