Behind the scenes of covering PBR Lethbridge

Since moving to Lethbridge, the March Professional Bull Riders event has marked the start of my western sports season.

It’s become something I genuinely count down to each year. This season was no different. The countdown started in January and now the event has come and gone, with Nick Tetz earning his sixth consecutive title in Lethbridge.

But for me, the countdown isn’t just about marking days on a calendar. It’s about building a content and story plan for the weekend.

Leading up to the PBR event

Preparing for the Lethbridge event involves a handful of behind-the-scenes tasks. One of the first things I do is review results from the previous event. This year, that meant looking back at the February stop in Red Deer, where Tetz won the first event of the season.

After reviewing results, the next step is deciding what story angle to take for pre-event interviews.

This year, I looked back at preview stories I had written over the past few seasons and decided to try something different. I set up an interview with Jason Davidson, general manager of PBR Canada, to talk about the impact Lethbridge has had on the organization and the many storylines connected to the event — including the possibility of Tetz setting a record at the 2026 competition.

During my interview with Davidson, I learned some interesting facts about the Lethbridge event. It’s one of the longest-running PBR stops in Canada, and it was also the first event that Brinson James worked 13 years ago.

Other highlights from the interview included discussion of the COVID-19 drive-in event held outside VisitLethbridge.com Arena — known at the time as the ENMAX Centre — as well as the long-standing relationship between PBR Canada and Feature Productions.

Pre-produced content

Along with the Davidson interview, which I produced for the radio station where I work, I also created a couple of pre-produced pieces of content.

The first was a collaborative video using footage from last year’s event.

The second video required some planning with the PBR media team. The idea was for one of my co-workers to learn the basics of bull riding. We called it Bulls 101.

My colleague had the chance to meet with Zane Lambert, who explained what PBR looks for in bucking bull stock. Between the interview and footage from Friday night’s event, I was able to build a short explainer video showing exactly what Lambert was describing.

Packing my PBR camera bag

When it comes to equipment, I downsize for PBR events.

Instead of bringing my large rolling camera bag, I switch to a backpack. I learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago when I had to haul my giant bag up and down the stairs at Rogers Place.

For video, I use a Canon 90D with a 70–200 lens. I also bring a 2x extender, which effectively turns the lens into a 140–400.

For interviews, I use a Canon M3 body with a flip-up screen so I can confirm the shot is framed properly and the camera is actually recording.

For audio, I use a Rode Reporter microphone connected to a Rode Go transmitter. I’ve found it’s the easiest way to grab quick interviews without worrying about lavalier microphones or someone accidentally walking away with the mic pack. (Yes, that has happened before.)

I also pack a tripod that collapses to a compact size but is still stable enough for interviews.

The rest of the bag includes spare camera batteries, an external charger for my microphones and MagSafe chargers for my phone.

Snacks and survival essentials

One thing I always make sure is in my bag is snacks and electrolytes.

My go-to snacks are Built Bars — especially the Puff versions. The brownie and peanut butter chocolate flavours are my favourites. They basically taste like candy bars.

I also bring electrolytes, usually Liquid I.V. (sugar-free) and Ciara Hydration, which is a Canadian brand.

These are important because when you’re down in the dirt filming, there isn’t always time to run to the concession stand.

As a caffeine lover, I also keep Awake Chocolate in my bag. It’s one of my favourite pick-me-ups because it combines two of my favourite things: coffee and chocolate.

Remember to have fun

The most important part of covering PBR — or any western sport — is remembering to have fun.

It’s a privilege to cover these events because they are both exciting and deeply rooted in passion. For many people involved, it truly is a labour of love.

Western sports are about the athletes — human, bovine and equine alike.

But it’s also important to take a moment to step back and simply enjoy the event. Even when you’re there working, there are times when you pause, watch a ride and take in the moment. Seeing a rider nod their head and the chute open never gets old.

And honestly, it’s impossible not to be a little in awe of the power of the bulls. Watching them explode out of the chute and move with that much strength and athleticism is something you don’t fully appreciate until you see it up close.