Rodeo season is big business in Texas and that’s especially true for Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo – one of the largest rodeos in the state and country. This year’s event kicks off on March 4 and goes until March 24th, and features an opening performance on Tuesday, March 4, by country music legend, Reba McEntire. Throughout the years, the rodeo has attracted a variety of all-star entertainers including Gene Autry who performed in 1942.
“Reba’s return in 2025 marks 11 years since her last performance here. Her first performance at Rodeo Houston was back in 1984. Since then she has performed at the rodeo 20 times,” said Marisa Saenz, PR/Media Relations Manager for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
In late 2024, one of the largest rodeos in the nation also announced its historic and unprecedented purse, a total athlete winnings increase to $2.5 million for 2025.
Leaders in community outreach
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to make a footprint in the community; and within the sport and entertainment industries. The show has grown and changed since its debut in 1932.
According to the rodeo’s media team, “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was originally the Houston Fat Stock Show & Livestock Exposition with an original purpose to increase awareness of the Texas Gulf Coast livestock industry with local, state, and national audiences.
“Over the course of 93 years, the rodeo has become one of the largest events in the country. The event alone sees 2.5 million people each year and brings an economic impact of $326 million. Since 1932, the rodeo has committed more than $630 million to Texas youth and education programs.”
Houston’s family-friendly rodeo prides itself on educating and entertaining the public, but another key mission for organizers is to support Texas youth and provide year-round educational programs..
A few of those initiatives include educational scholarships and grants.
“In 2025, the Rodeo committed $28 million, the organization’s highest annual commitment to date,” said Saenz. “The Rodeo’s 2025 educational commitment will award $14.7 million in scholarships, more than $9.7 million to junior show exhibitors, more than $3 million in educational program grants and more than $481,000 to graduate assistantship programs across Texas.
Shell Federal Credit Union announces sponsorship
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has gained high-profile support over the years. Recently, Shell Federal Credit Union announced it was the official opening day title sponsor for rodeo.
According to a press release, the partnership features a three-year agreement with the community focused financial institution.
“Opening Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for us at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and we share the same sentiment announcing this partnership with Shell Federal Credit Union,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Opening Day sets the tone for our 20-day event, and we are confident this collaboration will set a new standard for Rodeo seasons to come.”
Opening Day of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Gates for entry open at 8:00 a.m. and the Midway opens at 1:00 p.m.
Opening Day highlights include:
- Opening day starts at 10:00 a.m. with the first 10,000 guests receiving a 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo belt-buckle
- Choo Choo Soul, a singing conductor who teams up with a beatboxer to perform children’s music, will perform on the Junction Stage, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Opening Day Parade begins at 12 p.m. (noon) with former Houston Oilers Football star, Dan Pastorini serving as grand marshal
- From 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. you can enjoy Reputation – A Tribute to Taylor Swift on Junction Stage, followed by a meet-and-greet with legendary barrel man Leon Coffee at NRG Center.
- NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m. and weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m.
- Country superstar, Reba McEntire, will take the stage at approximately 9:15 p.m. Her 2025 appearance will mark her 20th performance at the rodeo and her first time back in 18 years.
NRG Park ground gates open daily at 8 a.m. for rodeo attendees.Tickets cost $21 for adults (13+) and $10 for children (3-12). Children aged 2 and under are free. Single-day access and season grounds tickets allow access to all public activities during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park, NRG Center and NRG Arena. For more information on tickets, click here.
For more information, visit rodeohouston.com, download the RODEOHOUSTON app and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for news updates.
