History of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
For 80 years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has been the heartbeat of the Southwest, beating powerfully with 26,000 volunteers who annually contribute their time, resources, and talent as part of the world’s largest livestock exhibition, world’s richest regular-season rodeo, and the Southwest’s premier entertainment event.
Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established, it has made an impressive footprint on the livestock and entertainment industries and in the sport of rodeo. It also has played a notable role in enhancing the lives of thousands of young people in the state of Texas.
The many milestones celebrated in the past 80 years have all contributed to Houston’s most popular event. Follow this historical sketch to see the changes undergone and developments that made the Show unique:
Click HERE to learn more about our Building Program.
JANUARY 1931
The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition is established after seven men meet for lunch at the Texas State Hotel.
APRIL 1932
The first Show is held at the Democratic Convention Hall.
1937
The Democratic Convention Hall is demolished – no Show is held while the Sam Houston Coliseum is being built.
1938
The Houston Fat Stock Show is held in the Sam Houston Coliseum for the first time.
The first rodeo, horse show and downtown parade are held in conjunction with the Show.
1942
Gene Autry, “the Singing Cowboy,” debuts as the first star entertainer.
The calf scramble event is added to the rodeo performance.
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).
1957
Houstonian Ben Dickerson is presented the Show’s first major educational scholarship, a $2,000 award.
1961
The organization’s name officially changes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
1963
The School Art Program begins.
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.
1968
The 12-acre Astrohall is expanded by 4 acres, providing more exhibit space and meeting rooms.
1970
The Show launches a research program at an annual commitment of $100,000 to various Texas colleges in support of research studies.
Elvis Presley’s Feb. 27 performance sets an all-time attendance record with 43,614 spectators in the Astrodome, a record that remains unchallenged until eight years later.
