History
The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show has been a major event for the city of Houston for 80 years and counting! Here are some highlights of the Rodeo's long history. All information is taken and/or paraphrased from the Houston Rodeo's website page on History.
1931
The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition is established!
1938
The Houston Fat Stock Show is held in the Sam Houston Coliseum for the first time as well as the first rodeo, horse show and downtown parade.
1942
Gene Autry, "the Singing Cowboy," performs at the Rodeo. He is first star entertainer. The calf scramble event is added to the rodeo.
1952
The first trail ride - the Salt Grass - commences, as four men make the journey on horseback from Brenham, Texas, to Houston.
1954
The Houston Rodeo becomes RCA-sanctioned (now PRCA - Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association).
1961
The organization's name officially changes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
1966
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo moves from the Sam Houston Coliseum to the Astrodome complex. The first performance in the new domed stadium draws 25,340 spectators, and attendance even tops 40,000 for one performance - almost five times the number of people the Coliseum could hold. The organization's signature "Bowlegged H" logo is designed. The Show builds the Livestock Exposition Building, called the Astrohall.
1990
The Show hosts a special rodeo for the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations in July, 1990, attended by President George H.W. Bush, United States; President Jacques Delors, European Commission; Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, Italy; Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Germany; President Francois Mitterand, France; Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Britain; and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canada.
1996
The Show celebrates 30 years at the Astrodome complex. RODEOHOUSTON™ is initiated as the official name of the Houston Rodeo.
2004
The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest has a record paid attendance of 183,339 visitors. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo holds its first Wine Competition and Auction, with 873 entries from more than 200 wineries from around the world and the auction bringing in $313,700.
2007
The Show celebrates its 75th anniversary and "The Year of the Volunteer." The Show also celebrates the 50th anniversary of its educational programs. All four-year, $12,000 scholarships are increased to $15,000 each, starting with the 2008 school year. The Show's yearly educational commitment exceeds $10.6 million.
2012
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo celebrates 80 years. RODEOHOUSTON paid attendance totals a record 1,283,419. The one-day total attendance record falls Saturday, March 17, with 153,159 visitors.
