It’s Stock Show time again

Updated venues, new rodeos among highlights

The legend that is the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is growing bigger in 2025.

This year’s edition will run from Jan. 17 through Feb. 8. While there will be plenty of favorite sites and activities returning, the folks connected with the FWSSR are always looking for something new and exciting.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS GET MAKEOVER

- Advertisement -

A big part of the FWSSR each year are the young people who bring their animals for show and competition. This year, two of those groups will have some renovated surroundings in the Sheep and Swine Barns.

Also, there is a new Arena 1 to complement these facilities, which are adjacent to Dickies Arena and National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

“With the Stock Show only one month away, we can hardly wait to see the look on the faces of the thousands of 4-H and FFA youth when they bring their animals into these amazing buildings for competition,” Stock Show General Manager Matt Carter said.

“This is truly an exciting day not only for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, but the City of Fort Worth and the many organizations that utilize our wonderful facilities throughout the year.”

- Advertisement -

The renovations to the barns, which were originally constructed in 1948, include improved lighting, air ventilation, livestock washing facilities and other amenities, transforming the buildings to accommodate thousands of youth that compete in the FWSSR’s swine, sheep and goat shows. The addition of the Arena 1 allows for a 41% increase in stalling space for the sheep, goat and swine exhibitors.

Each of the structures can also provide space for events such as banquets, trade shows, receptions, meetings, luncheons and, of course, horse shows held at Will Rogers Memorial Center other times throughout the year.

The three buildings can also be converted into more than 300 horse stalls and exercise arenas for use by organizations such as the National Cutting Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.

“Without having to expand our structural footprint, these organizations now have additional stalling capacity and a new climate-controlled exercise arena for their competitors to enjoy during non-Stock Show months,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said.

- Advertisement -

“All these projects serve to grow the economic impact of these facilities for the City of Fort Worth, which already exceeds $217 million dollars in direct economic activity.”

Funding for the project, estimated at $40 million, was shared equally between the FWSSR and the City of Fort Worth. More WRMC renovations are forthcoming through a longstanding public private partnership between the FWSSR and the city.

“We’re already working on the conceptual design of Phase Four, which will provide important upgrades to Cattle Barns 3 and 4,” Stock Show Chairman Philip Williamson said, noting to date, the FWSSR and the city have committed more than $69 million in improvements to Phases I through III.

“This vision has taken time and required patience, but the results are nothing short of amazing,” Williamson continued. “Our decades long public private partnership is a shining example of what’s possible when government and the private sector come together in a common purpose.”

The FWSSR is set to welcome more than 13,000 youth from across Texas competing for more than $7 million in scholarships and auction receipts. Also, more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world are expected.

NEW RODEOS

While the ever popular main rodeo that accompanies the Stock Show will once again take place at Dickies Arena, two new rodeos events are joining the show.

The Professional Bull Riders Last Cowboy Standing will take place on Jan. 21-22 at 7:30 each night. It features 40 of the world’s best bull riders competing for the top prize of $50,000, half of the overall $100,000 purse.

The event was previously known as Bulls Night Out.

Then, one night later on Jan. 23, Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier takes place. It pairs five two-man teams of rodeo all-stars vying to qualify for the Kid Rock N Rodeo on May 16 at AT&T Stadium, along with their share of the $100,000 qualifier purse.

Note, however, this event does not include a Kid Rock concert.

“The PBR will bring a unique vibe to our rodeo that we hope fans, especially bull riding fans, will embrace,” FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman said. “Their Last Cowboy Standing format will, undoubtedly, bring tremendous energy to Dickies Arena.

“The Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier will be fascinating, too, as the team format will bring a unique angle to naming the night’s champions on January 23.”

AUDITORIUM ENTERTAINMENT SERIES

The Will Rogers Auditorium will be the place to see some major performers in the music and entertainment world this year. Spotlighted performances include:

Clint Black, Jan. 23.

Jim Gaffigan, Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, Feb. 5.

Chris Janson, Feb. 7.

For a complete list of everything that is happening during the FWSSR, visit www.fwssr.com.

- Digital Sponsors -