Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo officially kicks off Friday, launching a 23-day celebration that has defined the city for 129 years.
At a Glance
- Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo opens on Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 7.
- Organizers anticipate more than 1.2 million visitors.
- The historic Will Rogers Coliseum, turning 90 this year, receives a $50 million renovation.
- New events: Pro Rodeo Rookie Rally (Jan. 22) and College Rodeo Finals (Feb. 4).
- Why it matters: The event showcases Western heritage, boosts local tourism, and unites the community.
Opening Day and Visitor Expectations
The weekend marks the start of the annual rodeo, a staple that draws crowds to daily performances, live music, livestock contests, and family-friendly attractions. Matt Carter, President and General Manager, emphasized the blend of tradition and community that sustains the show after a century.
> “We really feel like this is what makes Fort Worth authentic. It makes it where the West begins. We have a wonderful city, wonderful partners in the mayor and the city council. It’s really amazing,” he said.
Carter noted that the event’s longevity is rooted in its authenticity and strong local partnerships.
Will Rogers Coliseum Renovation
A key highlight this year is the first phase of a larger $50 million project aimed at modernizing the Will Rogers Memorial Center for its 100th birthday in 2036. The goal is to update the building while preserving its iconic character.
> “The renovation is a public-private partnership with the Fort Worth Stock Show and our wonderful partners at the city of Fort Worth. We really tried to take a lot of care to renovate it, but also maintain the history and the character that’s in this building. I mean, this building is really the Fenway Park of the Western sports industry,” he said.
The upgraded concourse will host several events, including the new College Rodeo Finals.
New Rodeos for 2026
The lineup now includes two major competitions:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Rodeo Rookie Rally | Jan. 22 | Top rookie athletes from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association compete for a $100,000 purse and a chance to qualify for the Pro Rodeo Tournament. Starts at 7:30 p.m. |
| College Rodeo Finals | Feb. 4 | Collegiate athletes from across Texas-including Weatherford College and Tarleton State University-compete for the inaugural title inside the Will Rogers Coliseum. The only ticketed session of the multi-day collegiate competition. |
|
Both additions aim to attract new audiences and spotlight rising talent.
Returning Events
Traditional favorites remain on the schedule, providing a familiar rhythm for long-time attendees:
- Best of the West Ranch Rodeo (Jan. 16-17)
- Best of Mexico Celebration (Jan. 18)
- Cowboys of Color Rodeo (Jan. 19)
- Texas High School Rodeo Shootout (Feb. 7)
Each event highlights different facets of Western sports and the diverse communities that shape the region’s ranching culture.
Volunteer Backbone
The Stock Show relies on a massive volunteer force, many of whom have served for decades. Mike Micallef, owner of Reata at the Rodeo and longtime volunteer, underscored the community spirit.
> “There are thousands of volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. You might be out here, and somebody’s helping you unload the trailer… You may not know that guy’s the president of a bank or that woman is a lawyer. But we all come together to make this stock show happen.”
Micallef added that the event brings the entire city together over its 23-day run.
Tickets and Access
Tickets are available online through the event’s website and Ticketmaster, as well as in person at the Dickies Arena box office or by phone at 817-502-0011. Most events still offer tickets in the middle and upper sections, and each rodeo ticket grants same-day access to the Stock Show grounds.
Closing Thoughts
With historic renovations, new competitions, and a steady lineup of beloved events, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo continues to be a cornerstone of Western culture and a major economic driver for the city.
