Our timeline offers a look at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo moments — since its early fatstock show days.
A Timeline of RodeoHouston History
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wasn’t born yesterday. It’s taken the better part of a century to grow into the three-week behemoth event it is now. But over the years it has played host to its share of big names — Elvis, Selena and many more — drawing big crowds and big fun. Here’s a look back. 1931:
Over a lunch at the Texas State Hotel, seven men come up with a plan creating Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition.
1932:
The first show is held at the Democratic Convention Hall in downtown Houston.
1937:
No show is held this year because construction of the new Sam Houston Coliseum, an indoor arena on Bagby, is underway.
1938:
A new rodeo, horse show and parade are held, marking the first show at the new coliseum.
1942:
Singing Cowboy Gene Autry is the show’s first star entertainer. This year, too, the calfscramble event is added.
1952:
Four men ride horseback from Brenham to Houston on the Salt Grass, considered the first trail ride in conjunction with the show.
1954:
The Houston rodeo becomes RCA sanctioned. (Sanctioning now is through the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association.)
1957:
The show awards its first major scholarship, $2,000, to Houstonian Ben Dickerson.
1961:
The Fat Stock Show changes its name to the one we know today: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
1963:
Students show their artwork in the rodeo’s first School Art Program.
1966:
The rodeo moves into the new Astrodome complex, and its first performance draws 25,340 spectators. The rodeo also builds the Livestock Exposition Building, known as the Astrohall.
1970:
Elvis Presley performs at the rodeo, setting an attendance record with 43,614 spectators.
1973:
The Astrohall grows with construction of administrative offices, meeting rooms and exhibit space.
1974:
The first World’s Championship Bar-B-Que contest is held at the rodeo.
1975:
The 6,000-seat Astroarena is completed.
1977:
All four-year scholarships are increased to $6,000.
1983:
All four-year scholarships are increased to $8,000. The show also adds acreage to the Astroarena, in conjunction with the Houston Sports Association and Harris County.
1986:
This year’s performers — including Julio Iglesias, the Judds, Willie Nelson, George Strait and Conway Twitty — take the stage with a state-of-the-art, 40-foot turntable and sophisticated lighting system.
1989:
Houston metropolitan students are now allowed to apply for rodeo scholarships.
1990:
With the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations meeting in Houston in July of this year, a special rodeo show is hosted for then-President George H.W. Bush as well as leaders of the European Commission, Italy, Germany, France, Britain and Canada.
1991:
Nearly five acres are added to the Astroarena, including space for auctions and commercial exhibits.
1992:
Four-year scholarships grow to $10,000, a retroactive move that grants an additional $500 to every student attending college on an existing scholarship.
1995:
Paid RodeoHouston attendance tops 1 million, with 1,068,447 tickets sold.
1996:
RodeoHouston becomes the official name of the Houston rodeo. George Strait breaks the concertattendance record with a performance for 62,936 spectators. The first School Art Auction is held.
1998:
More scholarships are added, extending the program to 120 students and four-year, $10,000 awards.
1999:
Houston gains a new NFL franchise, and the rodeo, Houston NFL Holdings and Harris County begin plans for a new stadium to be shared by the Texans and the rodeo.
2000:
Reliant acquires naming rights for the Astrodome Complex.
2003:
The 71st Houston rodeo marks the first year in the new Reliant Stadium and Reliant Center. Paid attendance for an individual show tops 70,000 on Go Tejano Day.
2004:
Kenny Chesney sets a concert record, filling 70,668 seats. The first rodeo Wine Competition and Auction are held, with 873 entries bringing in $313,700. Four-year scholarships grow to $12,000 each.
2005:
Alicia Keys sets a paidattendance record of 72,065 on March 4 (Black Heritage Day); Hilary Duff tops that record with 72,843 two nights later.
2006:
Brooks & Dunn set a concert record with 72,867 fans; the junior market, school art and wine auctions earn more than $1 million each.
2007:
Four-year scholarships grow to $15,000 per student for a total of $10.6 million in scholarships given this year. A Super Series format begins at the rodeo, with a purse of $1.2 million — the world’s richest, regular-season PRCA rodeo event. Each event champion earns $50,000. Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana sets a concert record with 73,291 fans.
2008:
Cyrus returns for another concert and tops her own record with 73,459 fans.
2009:
A general attendance record is set with 1,890,332 visitors. Mutton Bustin’ is added to each rodeo performance.
2010:
The general attendance record tops 2 million visitors, with Go Tejano Day setting a single-day record of 141,273 visitors. Eight rodeo performances are sellouts (about 70,000 tickets sold for each). Four-year scholarships grow to $16,000 per student, totaling $12 million.
2011:
A new BP Super Series international, invitational championship draws top cowboys and cowgirls in seven events. The Cinch RodeoHouston Super Shootout: North America’s Champions also debuts.
2012:
Jason Aldean’s concert sets a record with 74,091 fans. Scholarships grow to $18,000 per student. Scholarship programs begin for military and rising juniors and seniors.
2013:
More records are shattered: 264,132 attend the barbecue contest, regular attendance tops 2.5 million, and a concert with George Strait, Martina McBride and the Randy Rogers Band draws 80,020 fans.
2014:2014:
Steer Steer wrestling wrestling is is added added to the to the Super Super Shootout Shoot out champions champions event. event.
2016:
A new RodeoHouston stage is approved to debut in 2018, replacing the one built in 1986. Go Tejano Day sets attendance record of 75,508.