Saddle Up for the 75th San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: A Texas-Sized Celebration!
Howdy, rodeo fans and newcomers alike! Can you feel the excitement buzzing through the Alamo City? That's right, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is saddling up for its 75th anniversary, and it's promising to be the biggest shindig yet. From February 8-25, 2024, our beloved city will transform into a western wonderland that'll have you hollerin' "yeehaw" faster than you can say "deep-fried Oreos."
Now, if you've never experienced Rodeo San Antonio, you're in for a treat. This ain't your average county fair – we're talking about a Texas-sized spectacle that draws over 1.3 million visitors each year. It's where cowboy boots meet cutting-edge entertainment, where tradition tips its hat to innovation, and where every corn dog you munch on helps support the future of Texas youth.
So, whether you're a seasoned rodeo veteran or a curious city slicker, buckle up, partner. We're about to take you on a wild ride through everything you need to know about the 2024 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. From bucking broncos to chart-topping concerts, from livestock shows to mouth-watering eats, we've got the inside scoop on this 18-day extravaganza that's become the crown jewel of San Antonio's event calendar.
Ready to lasso up some fun? Let's dive in and discover why the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo isn't just an event – it's a Texan tradition 75 years in the making!
Get ready to dust off your cowboy boots and polish your belt buckles, because the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is galloping into town for its 75th anniversary! This ain't just any rodeo – it's a Texas-sized extravaganza that'll have you yeehawing from February 8-25, 2024. Let's wrangle up all the details you need to know about this beloved Alamo City tradition.
Rodeo San Antonio: 75 Years of Western Heritage
Since 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has been the talk of the town, growing from a local shindig to a world-class event that draws over 1.3 million visitors annually. Held at the Frost Bank Center (formerly AT&T Center) and Freeman Coliseum, this 18-day spectacle is more than just bucking broncos and barrel racing – it's a celebration of our Texan roots and a powerful force for good in our community.
From Humble Beginnings to Rodeo Royalty
Y'all won't believe how far we've come! Back in 1950, our first rodeo drew a whopping 250,000 folks – pretty impressive for a debut. Fast forward to today, and we're bursting at the seams with over a million visitors each year. In 2003, we moseyed on over to the larger AT&T Center (now Frost Bank Center), adding 6,000 more seats for all you rodeo enthusiasts.
But here's the real kicker – this rodeo isn't just about having a good time (though we sure do that!). The San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., the nonprofit behind this hootenanny, has lassoed in more than $255 million for Texas youth since day one. We're talking scholarships, grants, endowments, and programs that impact over 19,000 young Texans every single year. Now that's something to tip your hat to!
What's on the Docket for 2024?
Hold onto your Stetsons, folks, because we've got a roundup of events that'll knock your boots off:
Professional Rodeo Competitions: Watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in edge-of-your-seat PRCA events.
Livestock Shows: With over 70,000 animals, including the world's largest Junior Livestock Show, it's a veritable Noah's Ark of agricultural excellence.
Star-Studded Concerts: After the dust settles in the arena, get ready to two-step to some of the biggest names in music.
Carnival Rides and Games: From Ferris wheels to funhouses, there's fun for all ages.
Shopping Bonanza: Mosey through 250 themed booths at the "Shops at the Rodeo" for unique western wear and more.
Educational Exhibits: Interactive displays that'll have you saying "Well, I'll be!" as you learn about agriculture and ranching.
Food Court Frenzy: Sink your teeth into classic fair foods and some healthier options too (but c'mon, you know you want that funnel cake).
Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive: Kick off the rodeo with this mile-long spectacle through downtown San Antonio.
The Unsung Heroes: Our Volunteer Posse
Now, let me tell you about the real MVPs of this rodeo – our volunteers. Over 6,000 dedicated Texans give their time and energy to make this event smoother than a well-oiled saddle. From wrangling livestock to helping visitors find the best BBQ, these folks embody our core values of integrity, caring, and excellence. Next time you see a volunteer, give 'em a hearty "Thank you!" – they're the reason this rodeo runs like a well-trained cutting horse.
More Than Just a Rodeo
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo isn't just a good time – it's big business for the Alamo City. We're talking a nearly $300 million annual economic impact! And get this – we've been voted the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for 14 years running and even got ourselves inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008. Yeehaw!
Oh, and basketball fans? The rodeo's so big, it sends the San Antonio Spurs on their famous "Rodeo Road Trip" for three weeks. That's right – we're the only rodeo that can make an NBA team hit the trail!
Planning Your Rodeo Adventure
Mark your calendars for February 8-25, 2024, and get ready to join the fun:
Tickets: $15 for adults at the gate ($12 online), $5 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors.
Military Appreciation: All military personnel get in free with valid ID. Thank you for your service!
Bargain Day: Mosey on down on Sunday, February 11, for just $2 admission.
Remember, fairground tickets get you into the livestock shows and carnival, but rodeo and concert tickets are sold separately. Don't forget to check out the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive to kick things off in true Texas style!
So, whether you're a rodeo regular or a first-time buckaroo, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo promises 18 days of rootin' tootin' good times. It's more than just an event – it's a celebration of our Texan spirit, a chance to support our youth, and one heck of a wild ride.
See y'all at the rodeo, and happy 75th anniversary to this San Antonio gem!
P.S. Don't forget to bring your appetite – between the BBQ, Tex-Mex, and fair food, you'll need to loosen your belt a notch or two!
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.