HOUSTON \u2013 It looks like RodeoHouston may be trading boots for billboards, at least for a moment.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 entertainment lineup release on Thursday, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made a surprise announcement in an unexpected place: Times Square in New York City.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Country star Russell Dickerson was revealed as the second entertainer for RodeoHouston 2026, set to take the NRG Stadium stage on March 5, 2026. <\/p>\n
Cody Johnson along with special guests Jon Pardi and Randy Houser were previously announced for a performance on March 22, 2026.<\/p>\n
Dickerson even performed live in Times Square as part of the pop-up moment, marking the first time the iconic Houston event kicked off its lineup rollout outside of Texas.<\/p>\n
RodeoHouston says the New York City announcement reflects a push to expand into a global market and elevate the event\u2019s cultural relevance. Officials say New York offers a powerful platform to reach national and international audiences, spark broader conversations, and ultimately drive economic impact and scholarship growth back to Houston.<\/p>\n
And while the move grabbed national attention, it also stirred up strong reactions from Houstonians, especially longtime rodeo-goers who felt the announcement missed the mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Big Apple? For our rodeo?\u201d many locals seemed to ask<\/a>.<\/p>\n On social media, the confusion and frustration was immediate.<\/p>\n \u201cNo shade to Russell at all,\u201d one commenter wrote<\/a>. \u201cWhy go to NYC for this announcement? That was a choice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Others questioned what New York has to do with a Texas tradition rooted in agriculture, Western heritage, and Houston pride.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does NY have to do with rodeo?\u201d another comment read<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some fans worried the move signaled a shift away from the rodeo\u2019s roots.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is less about glitz and glamour,\u201d one post said<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s about proud, hardworking people. This announcement could\u2019ve been done in Texas, where people would actually care.\u201d<\/p>\n Another commenter<\/a> pointed to rising costs and accessibility concerns, suggesting the money spent on the New York pop-up could have gone toward improving the rodeo experience at home, like transportation or ADA upgrades.<\/p>\n But not everyone was upset.<\/p>\n Some defended the decision, saying the rodeo is thinking bigger, and playing the long game.<\/p>\n