A Complete Guide to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Besides the rodeo, there are lots of enjoyable activities for people of all ages at the fairgrounds! This is your guide to everything happening at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo!

Hey, guess what’s coming up in February in the Alamo City? The San Antonio Spurs are hitting the road for their Rodeo Road Trip, clearing space at the Frost Bank Center (you might remember it as the AT&T Center) for something pretty iconic: the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo!

For a couple of weeks, the basketball arena transforms into a dusty rodeo arena where top-notch rodeo athletes go head-to-head, vying for spots at the national championships in Las Vegas. This event is massive and jam-packed with everything rodeo and agriculture, and trust me, it’s an absolute blast!

We’ve whipped up a complete guide to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action – from activities and entertainment to animals and mouthwatering food. Get ready to Rodeo, San Antonio!

What is the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo?

“The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, commonly known as ‘the rodeo,’ is an annual PRCA-sanctioned rodeo held every February at the Frost Bank Center arena in San Antonio, TX. It’s one of the city’s most significant events, following closely after Fiesta, drawing over 1.5 million visitors over its two-week span.

Throughout the day, the fairgrounds surrounding the Frost Bank Center buzz with family-friendly activities. There’s an expo hall, thrilling carnival rides, food vendors, shopping spots, and a grand livestock show featuring various competitions. Notably, the junior livestock show, the nation’s largest of its kind, takes center stage.

As night falls, the arena doors swing open, inviting guests to an evening filled with top-tier professional rodeo events and entertainment. Each night wraps up with a concert by a globally recognized artist or band.

More than just an event, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo stands as a vital community affair, focusing on bolstering educational and agricultural pursuits among Texas youth. With the dedication of 6,000 volunteers yearly and generous contributions through scholarships, grants, and auctions, the rodeo proudly supports over 19,000 young people through a highly successful scholarship program.”

When was the first San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo?

“Since its early days, San Antonio has held a strong connection to cattle and agriculture. Back in 1854, it hosted Texas’ inaugural Agricultural Fair, but the event struggled due to inadequate facilities. Over the years, subsequent fairs and expos faced similar challenges in the city.

However, in 1948, a local named Joe Freeman aimed to change this narrative. He constructed the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum to bolster agricultural growth and hosted the city’s first Stock Show there in the following year. By February 1950, they added a rodeo, officially establishing the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

In 2003, the rodeo moved to a spanking-new venue, the AT&T Center (now known as the Frost Bank Center), situated next to the Freeman Coliseum. This larger space accommodates over 18,000 spectators each night, ensuring a grander experience for attendees.”

Read Also: Reasons You’ll Love Elmendorf Lake Park in San Antonio

What is there to do during the rodeo?

“There’s an array of events, activities, and entertainment lined up throughout the rodeo for guests to dive into. Here are some highlights:

• BBQ Cookoff and Festival
• Carnival
• Livestock and Junior Livestock Show
• Expo Hall with 150+ Vendors
• Pro-rodeo Competitions featuring fan favorites like bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding.
• Arena Concerts showcasing this year’s lineup.

With numerous events happening during the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, we can’t cover everything here, but you can find a comprehensive calendar by clicking here. Rest assured, there won’t be a dull moment, but fitting everything into your schedule might be the real challenge!”

What can I expect at the rodeo?

“Besides the obvious attractions like animals, cowboys, food, rides, and music, knowing a few additional details can greatly enhance your overall experience at the rodeo.

Firstly, be prepared for crowds. The rodeo is among San Antonio’s most popular events, drawing large crowds, leading to lines and congestion. Plan to allocate extra time for activities like parking, walking, navigating, and shopping.

Allowing yourself some extra time prevents stress and ensures you won’t miss out on experiences. An additional 20-30 minutes can make a significant difference.

Events don’t always happen simultaneously or daily, so doing your homework is crucial. Review the daily calendar to mark dates/times for what you really want to see, whether it’s Mutton Bustin’, educational sessions, or carnival rides for your family.

The Frost Bank Center has specific policies to note. It operates as a completely cashless venue. While external fairground vendors accept cash, once inside, you’ll need a credit or debit card for concessions or merchandise.

If you plan to bring a bag, there’s a strict size requirement: no larger than 12’ x 12’ x 6’. They enforce this rule rigorously, so having the right-sized bag is essential.

Be ready for various ticket options, which can be confusing. Some tickets are for specific events, while others offer access to multiple events. Here’s a quick rundown of your choices:”

• Rodeo and Concert Tickets: These tickets grant you a reserved seat for a single night of rodeo competition followed by a concert. Access to the fairgrounds is included, starting at $30.
• Rodeo Season Tickets: Offers access to a reserved seat for all 22 rodeo performances at the same location. Fairground access is included, starting at $660.
• Rodeo Playoff Packages: Provides a reserved seat for the last 4 rodeo events, including Semi-Finals, Wildcard, and Finals. Fairgrounds access is included, priced at $132.
• Carnival Wristbands: Grants unlimited access to carnival rides for a full day. Includes fairground access, excluding nightly rodeo/concert events. Priced at $25. Individual rides can be purchased onsite via cash or credit card.

• Fairgrounds Admission: Offers a full day’s unlimited access to the fairgrounds, stockyards, expo halls, and food vendors. Includes carnival access, but rides and games need separate purchase. Ticket prices range from $5-$10.
• Bonus: Annually, the rodeo hosts a few $2 Days with admission, carnival rides, and select food purchases priced at $2. For the specific days this year, check here.

All rodeo tickets can be bought via the SA Rodeo’s website using Ticketmaster.

Where can I park at the rodeo?

Finding parking can be a real challenge at the rodeo since lots at Frost Bank Center get filled up by rodeo events, leaving limited spaces.

During the rodeo, there are two main parking lots available – the red and blue lots. Prices vary from $10 to $30. You can buy your parking pass at the gate, but it’s first-come, first-served.

We strongly suggest getting your parking pass online beforehand for either the red or blue lots to secure your spot. Our top pick is the blue lot. Even though it’s a bit of a distance from the rodeo, it’s the most affordable. Plus, they offer an express shuttle that keeps running back and forth to the rodeo grounds.

What should I wear to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo?

When picking your rodeo outfit, think about two things: the weather and how much you want to dive into the cowboy look. February in San Antonio can swing from warm (70-80 degrees and sunny) to really cold (thanks, Winter Storm Uri). Keep an eye on the forecast and layer up if needed.

Inside the Frost Bank Center, it can get chilly, even on warmer days. So, it’s smart to have at least a light jacket or sweater handy.

For the full-on rodeo style, think hat, boots, and denim. That’s the deal.

When it comes to headgear, it’s all about the cowboy hat. But hey, there are loads of styles! Take some time to figure out what you like and what suits you. The Cattleman is a classic cowboy hat, with a center crease and two on the sides – a good starting point.

If you’re diving into the full rodeo look, boots are the way to go. Luckily, there’s a ton of options, except for high-heeled boots – they’re not just off-theme, but also a bit risky on the fairgrounds.

Find comfy boots that match your style. At the rodeo, you’ll spot everything from classic leather to tall buckaroos to flashy dress boots. Let loose and have fun with your footwear.

When it comes to tops and bottoms, think denim and fringe. Everyone’s rocking snug denim – no baggy stuff! Try pairing jeans with a denim top or jacket. Trust us, at the rodeo, you can’t overdo denim.

Now, about fringe – it might be out elsewhere, but at the rodeo, it’s a hit. Your fringe will get applause here, not side-eyes.

Don’t feel like Western wear? That’s cool! Keep it casual and comfy. Avoid high heels and miniskirts for practicality. Sneakers, comfy pants, and a stylish top work just fine.

Quick tip: Keep sunglasses handy! The fairgrounds and arenas get dusty. Shield your eyes from pesky dust – it’s a game-changer for your rodeo fun.

What time does the Rodeo and Stock Show begin?

The fairgrounds are open daily from 8am to 11pm. Attractions and shops welcome visitors from 10am to 8pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The carnival runs from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 10am to 12am on weekends. Remember, timings might change on holidays.

For the rodeo, doors swing open about 90 minutes before the scheduled performance (check your tickets for start times). Concerts typically kick off after the rodeo ends. Usually, they start around 9pm, but it can vary each night. Just a heads up, the exact timing isn’t always set in stone.

FAQs

What do you do at the San Antonio Rodeo?

At the San Antonio Rodeo, attendees can enjoy a variety of rodeo events, livestock shows, live music performances, carnival rides, and delicious food. The rodeo typically features exciting competitions such as bull riding, barrel racing, and roping, providing a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.

How many days is the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo?

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo usually span over a period of approximately 18 days. This extended duration allows participants and spectators ample time to engage in various activities, witness different rodeo events, explore the livestock shows, and enjoy the diverse entertainment options offered throughout the event.

What do you wear to a rodeo in San Antonio, Texas?

Attire for a rodeo in San Antonio, Texas, often reflects the casual and Western-themed nature of the event. Many attendees opt for comfortable jeans, cowboy boots, and Western-style shirts. Hats, especially cowboy hats, are also a popular accessory. It’s advisable to dress in layers, as the weather in San Antonio can vary, and it’s essential to be prepared for both daytime warmth and cooler evenings.

Who is performing at the San Antonio Rodeo 2024?

Howdy Texas pals! Get ready to dust off those boots and polish those spurs because the 2024 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is bringing in some major music mojo! Hold onto your hats – Wynonna Judd, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Big & Rich, and Gretchen Wilson are all set to light up the stage at the Frost Bank Center in February. Y’all, it’s gonna be one heck of a hoedown! 🤠🎶.