8 Seconds Rodeo Brings Black Cowboy Culture Back to Philly Featuring Live Music, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding for a $60K Purse
8 Seconds Rodeo Brings Black Cowboy Culture Back to Philly Featuring Live Music, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding for a $60K Purse
8 Seconds Rodeo, described by organizers as the nation’s premier celebration of modern Black cowboy culture, will return to Philly for a one-night event on Saturday, October 10, at the Liacouras Center. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees and combines rodeo competition with music, fashion, art and community programming. Tickets are available here.
Organizers describe 8 Seconds as more than a rodeo, framing it as a cultural movement centered on the history, style and athleticism of Black cowboys and cowgirls. This year’s event will feature bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and mutton bustin’, with more than 30 top Black rodeo athletes from around the country competing for a $60,000 prize purse.
8 Seconds Rodeo also runs training camps intended to give athletes access to coaching, resources and opportunities to develop their skills. In Philadelphia, the organization partners with the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy, which organizers say helps preserve the tradition of urban Black horsemanship while providing young people with a space to learn horsemanship skills.
The event begins with the Git Down Preshow, which includes line dancing, roping lessons, interactive activities and family-friendly entertainment ahead of the main competition. Throughout the evening, the arena will feature music and performances centered on Black Western culture.
Ivan McClellan, founder of 8 Seconds Rodeo, said the event is intended to honor an existing legacy while creating new opportunities for younger generations. He said the Philadelphia audience was especially receptive during last year’s event, and said the organization is looking forward to returning to the Liacouras Center.
Athletes to Watch
- The Bluebird Riders (Jaelah & Jiyah) — Barrel racing competitors
- Tank Adams — A bull rider continuing his family’s rodeo legacy
- Dante Eldridge — A rising competitor known for his riding style
Tickets
Tickets are available now at 8SecondsRodeo.com. Additional updates are available on Instagram at @eightsecs.
8 Seconds Rodeo was founded by photographer and storyteller Ivan McClellan. The event centers on the history and contemporary culture of Black cowboys through rodeo competition, fashion, music and storytelling, and has grown into one of the country’s fastest-growing live cultural events since its debut.
