Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the mission of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™?
A: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes to encourage and promote the breeding, raising and marketing of better livestock and farm products at public fairs and to promote and maintain research and educational functions within the livestock industry. It is the general policy of the Show to utilize, in the fiscal year subsequent to which it is earned, the excess of its revenue over expenses for the furtherance of its exempt purpose, including the granting and/or funding of agricultural scholarships, educational endowments, agricultural research projects and other similar programs and the funding of related capital additions and improvements. The funds of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are used exclusively to meet necessary expenses for its upkeep and operation and in furtherance of the exempt purpose of the organization.
Q: Exactly what educational support does the Show provide?
A: The scholarship and direct educational support for 2008 will include:
- $1.5 million in Opportunity scholarships;
- $2.1 million in FFA and 4-H scholarships;
- $3.1 million for Metropolitan scholarships;
- $900,000 for Area Go Texan scholarships;
- $225,000 for School Art Program scholarships
In the fall of 2007, 2,022 were enrolled at 88 Texas colleges and universities on direct Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships.
Since the inception of its scholarship program in 1957, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $100 million in direct educational support to the youth of Texas.
More than 300,000 young amateur artists participated in the School Art Program in 2008, submitting projects based on Western culture, history and heritage.
Since the beginning of the Calf Scramble program in 1942, 18,242 boys and girls have been awarded $9,853,500 worth of purchase certificates and bonuses.
Q: How does the Show impact the city?
A:
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rodeo competitors, visitors, livestock show contestants, vendors and others have direct expenditures in excess of $220 million annually. Once economic multipliers are applied, the financial impact created by the Show is nearly $345 million.
- In 2008, 2,078 foreign visitors from 84 countries brought their money to Houston while attending the Show, and went home with a great impression of the United States' fourth largest city.
- General attendance at the 2008 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was 1,802,158. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the third largest fair or festival in North America.
Q: What’s unique about the Houston Livestock Show™?
A: With 30,258 livestock competitions and horse show entries in 2008, the Houston Livestock Show is the largest in the world.
The Houston Livestock Show holds the records in all junior market auction categories:
- Grand Champion Goat purchased in 2008 for $115,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Goat purchased in 2007 for $130,000
- Grand Champion Lamb purchased in 2008 for $185,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Lamb purchased in 2007 for $125,000
- Grand Champion Pen of Broilers purchased in 2007 for $201,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Broilers purchased in 2007 for $140,000
- Grand Champion Turkey purchased in 2007 for $175,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Turkey purchased in 2007 for $106,000
- Grand Champion Barrow purchased in 2008 for $162,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Barrow purchased in 2008 for $112,000
- Grand Champion Steer purchased for $600,001 in 2002
- Reserve Grand Champion Steer purchased for $365,000 in 2005
- Grand Champion Work of Art purchased in 2008 for $185,000
- Reserve Grand Champion Work of Art purchased in 2008 for $150,000
Q: Is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ a charity?
A: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a charity which benefits the youth of Texas. Since the Show's beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed more than $200 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, the Rodeo Institute for Teacher Excellence, School Art participants, and other educational and youth programs. In the fall of 2007, 2,022 were enrolled at 88 Texas colleges and universities on direct Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships.
Q: How can I apply and learn more about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships?
A: In 2008, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committed more than $10.6 million in scholarships and educational programs. Each year, nearly 2,000 students attend college on direct Show-sponsored financial assistance. Scholarship applications are available from high school guidance counselors or by calling the Office of Educational Programs, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, at 832.667.1000. You also can request an application via e-mail by sending your name and complete mailing address to nathanson@hlsr.com.
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Q: How can I participate in the Calf Scramble?
A: Applications to enter the Calf Scramble should be submitted through your agricultural science teacher or county extension agent and participants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be 14 years of age by Jan. 1, 2008, but not older than 18 and enrolled in a Texas 4-H or FFA program.
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Q: How can I schedule a tour for my school?
A:The Show's school tours program offers complimentary livestock show student tickets to those scheduling group tours. The tours take place in Capital One Bank AGVENTURE, which hosts a variety of livestock and activities focused on children of all ages. The tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct. 1 the year before the next Show.
For information on how to schedule a tour for your group, please call 832.667.1000, ext. 4790.
Q: When is Go Texan Day?
A:The mayor of Houston and the Harris County judge present proclamations each year declaring "Go Texan Days." Go Texan Days last the duration of the Show, but most businesses and schools encourage employees and students to dress up and celebrate "Go Texan Day" the Friday prior to the downtown parade. In 2009, the parade is on Saturday, Feb. 28, so many groups celebrate "Go Texan Day" on Friday, Feb. 27.
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Q: What makes RODOEHOUSTON™ special?
A:
- Only the top cowboys and cowgirls are invited to compete, and in 2008, 396 athletes were invited to ride and rope at RODEOHOUSTON.
- In 2008, RODEOHOUSTON offered $1.3 million in prize money to the cowboys and cowgirls.
- With paid attendance of 1,206,551 in 2008, RODEOHOUSTON is the world’s largest rodeo.
- RODEOHOUSTON features seven events: bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping.
Q: What type of entertainers have appeared at the Show?
A: The Houston Rodeo concert stages have hosted legends and superstars of all kinds: Elvis Presley, Selena, Roy Rogers, Julio Iglesias, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Conway Twitty, Bill Cosby, The Jackson Five, Wynonna, Charley Pride, Gene Autry, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, and Sonny and Cher, to name a few.
Three performers have topped the 1 million mark in number of fans they've played in front of at the Houston Rodeo: Reba McEntire, Charley Pride and George Strait.
Elvis Presley thrilled a total of 295,743 fans at the Houston Rodeo in 1970 for six shows and in 1974 for two shows.
Charley Pride holds the record for the most performances with 37 in 20 years.
The top five paid attendance records were set by the following as part of RODEOHOUSTON performances:
- 73,459 - Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus (2008)
- 73,291 - Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana / Cheetah Girls (2007)
- 73,003 - Brad Paisley (2008)
- 72,867 - Brooks & Dunn (2006)
- 72,843 - Hilary Duff (2005)
Q: What are the future dates for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
A: Future tentative dates:
- Tue., March 3 - Sun., March 22, 2009
- Tue., March 2 - Sun., March 21, 2010
- Tue., March 1 - Sun., March 20, 2011
- Tue., Feb. 28 - Sun., March 18, 2012
- Tue., Feb. 26 - Sun., March 17, 2013
- Tue., March 4 - Sun., March 23, 2014
Q: When will the RODEOHOUSTON™ star entertainer's concert begin?
A: The star entertainers will begin performing after the last rodeo event is completed each evening and the stage is set. Actual start times for the concert can vary day to day due to the varying number of rodeo competitors and other factors. Monday through Friday, with a 6:45 p.m. RODEOHOUSTON start time, the evening performers USUALLY take the stage between 9 and 9:30 p.m. On the weekends, with a 3:45 RODEOHOUSTON start time on Saturday and Sunday, the performers TYPICALLY begin between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m.
Q: What can't I bring into Reliant Stadium?
A: The safety of everyone is paramount for Show patrons to enjoy a fun atmosphere. Please note that all personal belongings (such as purses, camera cases, back packs, strollers, etc.) are subject to search at any given time on the Show grounds by Show officials and/or law enforcement officers for security reasons. Anyone refusing to be searched will not be allowed on the Show grounds. Video taping is not allowed within Reliant Stadium, nor are outside food and drinks, including those purchased elsewhere at Reliant Park.
Q: I am a season ticket suite holder. How can I learn more about catering?
A: Season ticket suite holders can have catering services provided during each day of RODEOHOUSTON in Reliant Stadium through Aramark. To learn more, refer to Aramark's Web site. If you are interested in learning more about season tickets, click HERE.
Q: Do I have to buy a ticket for my children?
A: Children under the age of 2 are admitted free into Reliant Stadium for the rodeo and star entertainer performances if they do not require a separate seat.
Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free to the livestock show, World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the Horse Show.
Q: What is the weather usually like in Houston during Show time?
A: Although there are no guarantees, history is usually a good indicator of what you can expect weather-wise. The months of February and March tend to be mild compared to the rest of the country. The best thing to do is be prepared for anything! Click Watch the AccuWeather.com Video Forecast to learn more about Houston weather trends and current conditions, information on flight arrivals from Houston's major airports, and road conditions in and around Houston.
Q: How can I ride in the Downtown Rodeo Parade?
A: An individual must be a member of one of the sanctioned trail rides to ride a horse in the parade. Persons riding on floats are invited by the float presenters.
Q: When is the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest?
A: The 2009 World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest will be held Thurs., Feb. 26 - Sat., Feb. 28, in the Reliant Park parking lot. Learn more about it on our Web site by clicking HERE.
Q: I am interested in volunteering for a committee and want to know how to go about being a member. How can I find out more?
A: There are approximately 20,000 volunteers that help in almost every area of the Show. Each committee member donates an average of 67.7 hours of service to the Show every year. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, please send your name, mailing address and phone number to membership@hlsr.com and we will send you a packet with the information.
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Q: How do volunteers fit into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo picture?
A:
- Currently, there are approximately 20,000 volunteers serving on 97 Show committees.
- Committee members each donate an average of 67.7 hours of service to the Show every year.
- Every single ZIP code in Harris County has committee members living in its neighborhoods.
- The committee volunteer group is 41 percent female and 59 percent male.
The average committee volunteer:
- is 43.29 years old;
- has been a Show volunteer for 7.19 years;
has lived in Houston for 25.02 years (for the 87.3 percent who live in the Houston area); and - spends 16.94 hours per year in Show meetings
Area Go Texan committee members spread good will and help promote the Show in the 60 counties around Houston, reaching counties approaching the cities of Dallas, Waco and San Antonio.
The Show's recycling efforts resulted in 109,900 pounds of recycled cardboard and 13,169 pounds of recycled aluminum from the 2008 Show.
Q: What do I need to do to set up a booth or exhibit during the Show?
A: Exhibits are selected from applications. The 2009 application deadline is Aug. 1, 2008. If you’re interested in future Shows, click HERE to receive an application/information packet or contact the commercial exhibit office at 832.667.1200.
Q: Is there wheelchair accessible parking available at Reliant Park?
A: Accessible parking is located on the south end of Reliant Stadium off Westridge, where there are about 100 permanent places. In the South Kirby lot there will be an additional 250-plus spaces dedicated to handicap parking. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: How can I get a special Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Show license plate?
A: When you order organizational plates, TXDOT sets aside more than 70 percent of the annual $30 or $40 specialty plate fee for the Show’s purposes. The specialty plate fee is collected in addition to the regular registration fee. Please note that this external site is not affiliated with the Show.
Go to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Web site for more information.
