Professional Bull riders take over the Salinas Sports Complex for sold out show

It’s one of the biggest events of Big Week and it brought out some of the biggest stars in Professional Bull Riding.

On Wednesday night, thousands of fans packed the Salinas Sports Complex to watch the best bull riders in their world test their skills against the toughest bulls in another sold out PBR show.

“Salinas, it’s a great rodeo town, the whole week is fun coming out here you got high expectations to do well in front of a great crowd,” said 22-year-old Professional Bull Rider Derek Kolbaba.

Derek Kolbaba is ranked 20 in the world right now and he did not disappoint on Wednesday.

Kolbaba made it through the eight second buzzer and scored an 87 point ride, chasing his dream of becoming a world champion.

“Every time you show up you gotta be expecting a win.”

Kolbaba was one of 35 athletes hoping to rider their way to victory.

“The buckle has still eluded me never won here at the Salinas PBR,” said Professional Bull Rider Cody Campbell.

Campbell from Summerville, Oregon, started riding bulls at 13-years-old and has been competing at the Salinas event for about 10 to 12 years.

“They’re a good energetic crowd. They know what they’re watching for and it’s fun when you have that energy. There are other places that sell out and don’t have that energy,” said Campbell.

That energy is what keeps the riders going despite how dangerous the sport can be.

“Injuries are a part of it, you know you’re going to get hurt.”

But to keep the riders healthy, there is a medical team on standby.

Rick Foster, Program Director for Justin Sports Medicine, has a trailer stationed at the rodeo grounds to help the contestants.

He said the riders also take steps to stay fit and ready to face their opponent.

“They wear protective vests, some guys wear helmets, we encourage them to wear helmets so that has reduced injuries over the years. The animals are bred to buck harder so cowboys are trained to take better care of themselves,” said Rick Foster.

The bull riders are as tough as they come, never letting fear get between them and a 2,000 pound animal.

“A lot of people think you’re crazy or dumb that could be part of it, but it’s something that gets in your bloods there is no better feeling than conquering the beast,” said Kolbaba.

Silvano Alves of Brazil won the PBR Touring Pro Division event in Salinas.

According to the California Rodeo Salinas, the three-time world champion won the coveted buckle with a score of 174 on two bulls, winning the final round with an 89.