Calling all bull riding fans! The Arizona Ridge Riders are coming home to Desert Diamond Arena for Ridge Rider Days, October 8–10, 2026. As the team’s home event on the PBR Teams schedule, the three-day weekend gives fans the chance to watch the Ridge Riders battle some of the league’s top teams on their home turf.
October 8–10, 2026
Desert Diamond Arena
9400 W Maryland Ave
Glendale, AZ 85305
Meet the Team
The Arizona Ridge Riders are a team fueled by determination, grit, and the untamed spirit of the Southwest. Drawing inspiration from Arizona’s rugged landscapes and pioneering roots, the Ridge Riders embody strength, courage, and a relentless drive to win. As competitors in the PBR Team Series, they ride with the heart of the desert and the fury of the frontier – bold, relentless, and ready for any challenge.
Team Captain Eduardo Aparecido, known as “Fast Eddy,” is a veteran bull rider and multiple-time PBR Top 10 finisher who has become a fatherly presence among his teammates. Team member Luciano De Castro, the 2015 PBR Brazil Champion and the team’s first-round pick in the inaugural PBR Teams Draft, has followed with back-to-back Top 10 seasons in the U.S. Nick Tetz, a two-time PBR Canada standout and 2018 Rookie of the Year, is in his second season with the Ridge Riders and has helped propel the team to success.
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The team is supported by an experienced leadership group, including Head Coach Colby Yates, a former bull rider with five PBR World Finals appearances, an NFR qualification, and a 2011 Iron Cowboy title. General Manager Casey Lane brings more than 20 years of sports business experience and was voted General Manager of the Year in the PBR Teams league.
“Casey Lane is helping set the standard for what it means to be a General Manager in PBR Teams,” said Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner of PBR. “Under his leadership, the Arizona Ridge Riders have been consistently competitive, delivered standout performances, and built one of the most engaged and passionate fan bases. From roster construction to event execution, Casey’s vision and commitment are crucial to the continued growth and success of both the Ridge Riders and the PBR Teams League.”
Director of Team Culture Mo Brings Plenty brings his perspective as a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and an actor and American Indian consultant known for his role on Yellowstone.
Protected Roster:
- Eduardo Aparecido – Team Captain
- Luciano De Castro
- Nick Tetz
- Vitor Manoel Dias
- Elizmar Souza Jeremias
- Murilo Henrique de Oliveira
- Everton Natan da Silva
Reserve Roster:
- Vitor Losnake
Injured Reserve Roster:
- Eric Novoa
“I love when the PBR Teams come to our home state of Arizona. It is one event, I don’t want to miss.”
Danny O’Donnell
Co-Founder and Social Media Director
Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Three Nights in Glendale
Thursday, October 8
The weekend kicks off at 7:45 p.m., with the Ridge Riders taking on the Austin Gamblers. The US Army Fan Zone opens at 5 p.m., followed by a Ridge Riders autograph session at 5:15 p.m. and arena doors at 6 p.m.
Friday, October 9
Night two brings the Oklahoma Wildcatters to Glendale. The Fan Zone opens at 5 p.m., with another autograph opportunity at 5:15 p.m. before doors open at 6 p.m. Competition begins at 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
The final night of Ridge Rider Days starts earlier, with the Fan Zone opening at 4 p.m., an autograph session at 4:15 p.m., and doors at 5 p.m. The Ridge Riders take on the Nashville Stampede at 6:45 p.m.
PBR Teams: An All-Out Team Competition.
Unlike a traditional individual bull riding competition, PBR Teams puts riders together in a five-on-five format, creating a team atmosphere where every successful ride can make the difference. The 2026 season features 10 teams battling throughout the regular season for a chance to compete for the championship in Las Vegas later this year. And with all 10 teams competing throughout the Ridge Riders Days weekend, fans can expect a packed schedule of matchups and plenty of opportunities to see the best riders in the league take on some of the sport’s toughest bulls.
Instead of individual riders competing solely for themselves, the PBR Teams format brings together elite bull riders who compete as a team in head-to-head, five-on-five games throughout the season; every ride matters. Every point can change the standings. And every matchup can become a turning point. That team dynamic creates an atmosphere unlike traditional individual bull riding. Riders aren’t just fighting to stay on for eight seconds; they’re riding for their teammates, their home city, and the fans behind them.
If you’re looking for a weekend of high-level bull riding, team rivalries, and plenty of energy, Ridge Rider Days is one to have on the calendar!
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