FORT WORTH, Texas (November 9, 2026) – Fort Worth residents can get rodeo-ready with
a free new program covering the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s history, its signature
events and how to recommend experiences that make every guest’s visit memorable. The
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Enthusiast Program is an expansion of the Fort Worth
Host Program, created by Visit Fort Worth and Leadership Fort Worth in partnership with
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
Launched last year for the World Cup, the Fort Worth Host Program equips hospitality
workers, volunteers and residents to welcome visitors to the city. The Fort Worth Stock
Show & Rodeo Enthusiast Program covers the history and legacy of the legendary event,
which has been held in Fort Worth since 1896. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo returns
to Will Rogers Memorial Center and Ariat Arena for 23 days from January 15 through
February 6, 2027.
Participants who complete the 30-minute online Enthusiast Program will receive an official
digital certificate, a one-day grounds admission ticket to the Fort Worth Stock Show &
Rodeo, an ear tag sticker and a special note of appreciation from the Fort Worth Stock
Show & Rodeo team. More than 1,600 residents took the program for the World Cup.
“Our residents are incredible ambassadors for Fort Worth. This program will get them
ready for the largest festival of the year,” said Mitch Whitten, president and CEO of Visit
Fort Worth. “The Enthusiast Program provides historic and insider knowledge to help every
guest make the most of their visit. We’re grateful to Leadership Fort Worth and the Fort
Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for partnering with us, and to every Enthusiast who helps a
guest discover what makes our city unexpected.”
“Every winter, people travel from around the country to experience authentic Western
heritage at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo,” said Matt Carter, president and general
manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “When the people they meet around town
can share the right tips and point them to everything the Stock Show and city offers, it
makes their entire visit even better. We’re proud to partner with Visit Fort Worth and
Leadership Fort Worth to help our community give every guest a VIP welcome.”
How to participate
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Enthusiast Program is free and open to anyone.
Participants are encouraged to complete training before the Fort Worth Stock Show &
Rodeo opens on January 15, 2027.
Enroll at https://academy.leadershipfortworth.org/products/courses/stock-show-androdeo-enthusiast.
For additional information, please contact Olivia Coleman, visitor experience manager at
Visit Fort Worth, at OliviaColeman@FortWorth.com.
About Visit Fort Worth
Visit Fort Worth is the official destination marketing organization of the 10th largest city in
the United States, dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure
destination with thriving centers of creativity, culture and commerce. Visit Fort Worth is the
parent organization of The Fort Worth Herd, the Fort Worth Film Commission, Fort Worth
Sports Commission and music initiative Hear Fort Worth.
About Leadership Fort Worth
Leadership Fort Worth (LFW) is one of the oldest community leadership-development
programs in the nation. LFW engages and challenges leaders to plan for the future and
function as trustees by committing themselves to making their communities a better place
to live.
About the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Make plans today to enjoy rodeo, music, livestock and horse shows, petting zoos and pony
rides, carnival-midway and shopping from January 15-February 6, 2027 at Will Rogers
Memorial Center and Ariat Arena. Go to FWSSR.com for more information.