The Historical Cowtown Coliseum: Home to the World's Only Weekly Rodeo

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Madison Richmann | Last updated Jun 16, 2024 7:00 PM ET

In 1908, the Cowtown Coliseum was built in only 88 days. It became a staple piece of the Historic Ft. Worth Stockyards. It held the world's very first indoor rodeo, and that small little arena in Cowtown Coliseum holds some of the biggest rodeo and western events today.

Cowtown Coliseum is home to weekly open rodeos that draw in the best of the best rodeo athletes. This rodeo is the only year-round weekly rodeo in the world. Contestants compete for big paychecks every Friday and Saturday night, with the occasional Saturday afternoon matinee performances.

The Friday and Saturday night performances start at 7:30 p.m., and the Saturday Matinee performances kickoff at 1:30 p.m. It is not uncommon for sold out crowds; many rodeo fans, lots of tourists, and those who are experiencing their very first rodeo.

When planning your trip to the stockyards, be sure to make time to experience it all. Before the rodeo performance, fans can enjoy good food, shopping, and live music around the stockyards making for the perfect night on the town. You may even catch one of the cattle drives through the stockyards that happen at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

As for the contestants, the stockyards are a unique experience. Competition is tough, and the arena is packed and very loud with cheering fans. Rodeo athletes of any age or level can enter what is known as the 'Northside' Rodeo, but they will often be competing against the best professional cowboys and cowgirls. Some of the biggest names are there often including World Champions, Riley Webb, JJ Hampton, Hailey Kinsel, and more!

Ms. Cindy Reid is the rodeo secretary and has been hard at work for decades now. She is the backbone of the entry system, payouts, and the contestant side of the rodeo as a whole. You will find draws, results, and other rodeo information proficiently and timely online, thanks to Reid. She is known for taking her 'pay window pics' where she captures the moments the champions of the night pick up their winnings.

Throughout the existence of Cowtown Coliseum, over 200,000 competitors, 90,000 bulls, and 120,000 horses have competed on the arena dirt, with a total payout of around 45 million dollars. Athletes come from all over the world to compete at Northside.

Whether you are planning a trip to Ft. Worth to visit or are a rodeo athlete looking for your next entry, the weekly Stockyards Championship Rodeo is the place to be. To buy tickets, enter the rodeo, and for more information, visit www.cowtowncoliseum.com. Don't miss your chance to experience the stockyards and this iconic event.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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