8 Seconds Rodeo Brings a Black Rodeo Experience to Philly With Barrel Racing, DJs, and Bull Riding for a $60,000 Grand Prize

The 8 Seconds Rodeo is set to take over the Liacouras Center on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7 p.m., showcasing the grit, history, and celebration of Black rodeo culture. More than a sporting event, the rodeo blends competition, music, food, and community into a one-of-a-kind experience.

Pre-show festivities begin at 3 p.m. with food and retail vendors, line dancing, roping lessons, and a mechanical bull. Fans can also take part in a VIP Cowboy Meet & Greet before the main event. Ticket are available now at 8secondsrodeo.com.

So what can you expect if this is your first rodeo? “Imagine if a pentecostal church and a Travis Scott concert had a baby —and that baby had on boots and fringe. That’s the vibe. You’re gonna scream, you’re gonna dance, you’re gonna throw your hat in the air! We put on a world class show but keep community at the heart of everything we do. We have JJ Cash from Philly teaching roping lessons. We’re gonna be line dancing in the concourse. DJ Diamond Kuts is gonna set the vibe all night long. Then the best cowboys in America are going to throw down for $60,000 in prize money,”stated Ivan McClellan (Founder/CEO).

When the arena lights go up at 7 p.m., the show kicks off with DJ Diamond Kuts setting the vibe and X Mayo hosting the evening. Events include Mutton Bustin, Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, and the centerpiece—Bull Riding—with riders competing for a $60,000 prize purse. The night will also feature giveaways and crowd participation to keep energy levels high.

The 8 Seconds project is rooted in storytelling and cultural reclamation. Born from years of documenting Black cowboy traditions, the rodeo highlights both athletic skill and heritage. Organizers describe it as “world-class entertainment with community at the heart,” where fans can expect live music, dance, and family-friendly fun alongside rodeo action.  “I had been documenting the culture for 8 years and found it to be extraordinary. I saw an opportunity to bring the Black Rodeo to the biggest stages in the world and do it like no one else had. We got the best athletes in the country, added concert level lighting and sound and brought this culture to places that had never experienced it. I want to see these cowboys shine brightly and become household names,” Ivan added

For many in Philadelphia, the event carries special significance. “Philly is the heartbeat of Black cowboy culture on the East Coast. This city has grit, it has history, it has soul. Plus, if you can make a rodeo work in Philly, you can make it work anywhere. We’re bringing bulls down Broad Street—it doesn’t get more iconic than that,” Ivan states.

8 Seconds Rodeo is not only about the adrenaline of an 8-second ride. It is also a tribute to the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls, a recognition of their history, and a vision for the next generation. The show promises an unforgettable blend of sport, music, and culture—cementing Philly as a key stop on the rodeo’s growing national presence.