PBR returns to Allstate Arena in Rosemont for two nights of bull riding action

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Professional bull riders are back at Allstate Arena for two action-packed nights starting Friday, with the best bull riders in the world competing for a chance to advance to the championship in May.

PBR has returned to Illinois and the fun begins at 7:45 p.m. both nights.

Chicago fans love bull riding, but tickets are still on sale.

"It’s always fun to come to Chicago because you feel like you blend some cowboys and some bucking bulls into downtown and it doesn’t really fit, but the excitement sells itself," said PBR commentator Cord McCoy.

On Friday, 40 of the best bull riders will compete, and on Saturday, a winner will be crowned and advance to the championship to close the season.

"Everybody says we are crazy. Everybody says we have a little bit of an adrenaline seeker in us," said Oklahoma bull rider Kolton Hevalow. "Imagine being on top of something that you drive every day that you can’t control!"

The crowd went wild for homegrown competitor Jake Morinec from Mokena.

"He’s never covered a bull in Chicago. He’s went 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 but you got to make 8 seconds," said Jake’s dad Mike Morenic before the competition where his son did ride past 8 seconds.

The mayor of Rosemont declared Jan. 10 "Professional Bull Riders Day" in the village and received special recognition in return.

"This is a great event, it always is. Fifteen years in a row they've been here. It's a heck of a production now. It's great for the fans and we are thrilled that they're back and hopefully for many, many years to come," said Mayor Brad Stephens.

This is the only time PBR is coming to Illinois this year.