A bull charges into the middle of the arena after throwing its rider at Rodeo Minot as they opened the season with Badlands Pro Bull Riders at the North Dakota State Fair Center on Friday, Apr. 3. Nathan Beitler/MDN

Rodeo Minot kicked off their 2026 season with the Badlands Professional Bull Riders on Friday night, Apr. 3, as part of a two-weekend event.

Friday night’s events saw bull riders from near and far, including Minot’s own Brody Nelson, 2024 Badlands Pro Bulls Champion, take to the area floor and try to keep from being bucked off.

The professional bull riding action will continue on Saturday night, Apr. 4, before the North Dakota Rodeo Association and PRCA rodeos take over the event center next weekend, Apr. 10-11.