Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Southwest Exposition Livestock Show

First known as the National Feeders and Breeders Show and then in 1901 re- named the Texas Fat Stock Show, followed by the 1918 re-naming as the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show. During these years, prior to the invention of the 'Fort Worth Cultural District' concept, the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show took place in the Northside Coliseum which still stands at the heart of the current Fort Worth Stockyards. In 1944 the Fat Stock Show moved to its current location at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in the aforementioned 'Cultural District'. In 1987 Fort Worth dropped the Fat and adopted the current official name of the Stock Show, that being the Southwest Exposition Livestock Show.

THIS THING IS LEGENDARY---FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 7

Shuttle Bus Service
A Special Bus/Park & Ride shuttle will be available
Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show.

Leaving from select Park & Ride lots where parking is free, the T’s Stock Show Shuttle, will take you directly to the front gate, pick you up there, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way.

Park & Rides
Ridgmar Mall (near Macy’s) every 1/2 hr., 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (note: last return to Ridgmar Mall leaves Stock Show @ 10:00 pm)

Billy Bob’s north parking lot at the Stockyards every 20 min., 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (note: last return to Billy Bob’s lot leaves Stock Show @ 10:00 pm)

For Rodeo Tickets go to the Stock Show Ticket Office 9am --5pm, Monday through Saturday, or call 817-877-2420, or visit any Ticketmaster location.
Official Fort WorthStock Show & Rodeo Website

Click here for Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The above sign hung above the entry ticket booth at the Stock Show, apparently indicating that few Stock would be Showing at the Stock Show.

So. This being Texas and the Stock Show taking place in Fort Worth, which is known as Cowtown, well, it would seem there would be plenty of livestock at this event.

At mid-point during the Stock Show the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (that's Fort Worth's main newspaper) printed a letter from a pair of disgruntled older gentlemen who walked with the use of canes. They were disappointed that the Stock Show, unlike the State Fair in Dallas, did not provide electric wheel chairs for the comfort of less abled visitors. But that wasn't their main complaint. What really annoyed them was they did manage to amble their way to the stock barns. And then found no stock. Cowtown without cows they lamented....

How could it be we wondered? How can you have an event called a Stock Show with out Showing Stock?

We would soon see for ourselves...

click a thumbnail to view a photo

These eyes have seen many fairs in more than one state, but have never seen a dire warning like this before, posted in all the barns. There did not appear to be much livestock in any of the barns, so this warning wasn't too necessary.

To the left you are looking at a photo of one of the empty Stock-free Stock Show barns. Clicking this thumbnail will not enlarge the photo, it will take you to another group of empty barn photos.

Finally, some Stock at the Stock Show. This lone cow drew many curious on-lookers. Someone said it wasn't a cow, that it was a steer. No farm person could be found to help the city folk out of their confusion.

AS OF JANUARY 1, 2008 DURANGO TEXAS IS BLOGGING

This barn had some rabbits. A lot of empty cages, but some did have rabbits. It is not known if rabbits are considered to be Stock.

The caged rabbits looked more like they were in a rabbit prison. It was not an attractive display of animals. A little girl was seen crying over the plight of the bunnies.

This livestock discovery was in an agricultural exhibit by TXU. Not sure what TXU is. Something did not seem quite right with this animal. A TXU person was attending to the display. She said the live animals had been moved out a day or two prior and stuffed animals took their place.

Finally, some actual live livestock, in a petting zoo. There were llamas and big rat-like creatures that some said were baby kangaroos, others said wallabies. It is not known if kangaroos and llamas are considered to be livestock.

This horse was not stuffed, it was live livestock, standing still so little cowgirls could get their pictures taken.

This is a confirmed cow, not a steer, in the Borden exhibit. This is Bessie. So, we found cows afterall, plenty of empty barns, but there is Stock at the Stock Show afterall. You just have to look in places other than the usual.

The Stock Show grounds has several auditoriums with seating where various competitions take place. Here we see a sheep dog herding competition. It was pretty entertaining. No pigs being sheep dogs though.

A different auditorium, this one with horses and things for horses to jump over. This horse got very reluctant at his first jump and sent the jockey flying over the jump while he stayed behind and pouted.

And still another auditorium. This one is where prize ribbons are presented to the winners in the events in the other auditoriums.

As is the case in just about any fair type event, there are vendors in an exhibition hall. The Stock Show was no exception. Here we see a cowgirl and her longhorn.

And now the cowgirl is taking a photo of a group sitting on her longhorn.

The standard costume for the Stock Show which seemed to have been adopted by about 25% of the attendees is very tight wrangler jeans, a cowboy hat, a long-sleeve shirt tucked in with a big buckled belt. Here we see a group of cowboys getting their boots shined.

For those caught without a cowboy hat several purveyors of that western necessity were available to help you fix that faux pas.

A vendor Honoring Gunsmoke.

Since the Stock Show is very state fair-like it is fitting it has a carnival. That is Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium on the right. Where the Stock Show Rodeo takes place.

The carnival used that coupon method so often used in Texas. Complaints were heard about the rides being too expensive. Despite a large crowd the rides did not have many people on them.

If you look closely at this photo you'll see the most notorious thing at this year's Stock Show. Or don't look closely, just look at the next photo down.

You take those famous cookies from Nabisco, dip them in funnel cake batter, deep-fry and dust with powdered sugar. Fried Oreos. No data available on the caloric content. It would seem that this confection isn't helping with the campaign to rid Texas of its fattest state in the nation status.

Here you see the 7 deep-fried Oreos that you get for 3 bucks...on that sweet note it is time to leave the Stock Show. That's Will Rogers waving us goodbye below. And saying "It's been mighty nice having your here. Come back again!" Seems like proper Texas-speak should have Will Rogers saying "Y'all come back..."

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I order rodeo tickets?
You may call the Stock Show office at 817-877-2420 beginning May 1 to request a Ticket Order Form.

If I order tickets early, how will I know where my seats will be?
Ticket orders are filled on a first come first serve basis, giving you the best seats available at the time your ticket order is filled.

When does the Rodeo Ticket Office open?
This year the Will Rogers Memorial Center Rodeo Ticket Office opens on Monday, November 26 at 9 a.m. At that time you may pay for your tickets with a check (until January 1), cash, Mastercard or Visa. Also beginning November 26 you can order tickets at TicketMaster outlets.

Where can I buy a Souvenir Pin?
Souvenir Pins, which are good for grounds admission for the entire 2008 Stock Show, are available for purchase through the Stock Show Ticket Office for $30 each plus $5 return postage and handling per order. Although quantities are limited, you may purchase them at the Ticket Office after our Show begins.

Are the Stock Show grounds and the Rodeo accessible to guests with disabilities?
The Will Rogers Memorial Center is accessible to the disabled, and is a non-smoking facility.

What time do the grounds open and close?
The grounds are open daily between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Are there ATM's on the grounds?
You can find Chase ATM's in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall concourse and just outside the Rodeo Ticket Office. In addition, there are ATM's conveniently located throughout the grounds as denoted on the grounds map

Can I pay for concessions, feed, etc. with a credit card?
No, transactions on the Show grounds are made on a cash basis. However, ATM's are available on the grounds.

Are there places to eat on the grounds?
A variety of food vendors operate throughout the grounds.

What do I need to do to bring a group of children for a tour?
The Stock Show offers free, educational guided tours for school children of all ages on specific mornings during our Show. For dates and to request a registration form for the School Tour Days Program, please call 817-877-2410.

What does the Stock Show provide for visitors from foreign countries?
The Fort Stock Show welcomes visitors from foreign countries! The Stock Show International Committee operates a special hospitality suite in the Coburn Room of the Richardson-Bass building designated to provide foreign friends with a central location to get together and establish new relationships. It also helps promote the Texas agricultural industry.

Where can I advertise my business with the Stock Show?
In the Premium List and Rodeo Souvenir Annual. Contact the Publicity Manager at 817-877-2406 for more details.

How do I become a member, serve on a committee, get involved in the Show or sponsor an event or scholarship?
Call the Stock Show office at 817-877-2400. You will be put in touch with the contact person for the area of your interest.

When is the Stock Show Parade?
The 2008 Stock Show All Western Parade will be on January 12 at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Fort Worth.

How does our group enter to ride in the Parade?
Riding Clubs, Sheriff's Posses, bands, marching groups, horse drawn vehicles and non-motorized floats may request an application by calling the Stock Show office at 817-877-2410.

Who can ride in the Rodeo Grand Entry?
Riding Club groups may apply to participate in the Grand Entry. All participants must be at least 16 years old and dress in Western attire.

What are your Show dates for the 2009 and 2010?
Tentative show dates are: January 16 through February 8, 2009 - January 15 through February 7, 2010.

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