After a successful debut, 8 Seconds Rodeo to return for a second run in North Philly
The Black rodeo show and celebration, that saw 6,000 attendees last year, is coming back to the Liacouras Center in October
In the words of 8 Seconds Rodeo founder Ivan McClellan, the annual showcase is “Black by popular demand.”
The all-Black rodeo attracted 6,000 attendees to last year’s inaugural Philly event and returns for a second run at the Liacouras Center on Oct. 10.
Dozens of bull riders, barrel racers, bareback horseman, and fiery mutton busters will compete on dirt-covered floors for $150,000 in prize money.
Last year, McClellan said, the entertainment company “stepped out on faith.”
“I didn’t know if it was going to be successful at all. We just completely hung it out there and took a big risk,” he said. “And the people showed up.”
For years, McClellan put on 8 Seconds Rodeo in his hometown of Portland, Ore. But after moving from the Pacific West to Chester County, he was determined to bring the “unapologetically Black event” to his new home.
He leaned on legacy organizations and local equestrians to help organize and promote the event, which led to a successful regional debut. Now, McClellan is looking to “refine the production,” and make this year’s event even bigger.
“We have the best Black athletes in rodeo gearing up for this,” he said. “It’s their Super Bowl.”
The essence of the rodeo will largely remain the same. North Philly’s DJ Diamond Kutz will curate the music; 2 million pounds of dirt and dozens of livestock will be transported to the arena; and both local and national athletes will compete.
“It’s going to be a Philly event through and through,” McClellan said.
He said he aims to attract 7,700 attendees this time for a “rock concert-like production.” To reach that goal, he’s offering discounted tickets on July 31.
All 8 Seconds Rodeo VIP tickets will be priced at $42 for the first eight hours, then returned to the regular tier-based $60-$100 pricing.
“I want to reward the people that rock with us,” he said. “It’s all about family. It’s all about community. I want people to experience the rodeo, regardless of where they’re at economically.”
Marking down ticket prices, McClellan said, is in line with 8 Seconds Rodeo’s mission.
He founded the entertainment company in 2023 to celebrate Black rodeo athletes and history, and open doors for others to experience it themselves — no matter their interpretation of the Western tradition.
“I want anybody from any walk of life to come into our building, feel comfortable, and get excited about rodeo,” McClellan said. “We want to create a space that’s inclusive and an environment that’s welcoming to anybody.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. July 31. For more information, visit 8secondsrodeo.com.
