San Antonio’s Stock Show & Rodeo kicked off its first day at the Frost Bank Center on the city’s East Side, with crowds filing in ahead of the opening night events.
The rodeo was set to begin at 7 p.m., followed by a concert from country star Russell Dickerson. Organizers also promoted a wide range of attractions beyond the arena, including hands-on interactive shows, pig races and shopping.
“I expect big crowds. The weather’s supposed to be beautiful. Flip flops and shorts weather, but we’re going to be in boots and jeans and hats. But it’s going to be beautiful. So I expect a lot of people out,” one attendee said.
Visitors on Day 1 said they were excited to explore the grounds, including the animal exhibits.
“Coming to see the animals, we saw the horses, we saw the cows and the little petting farm. It was very fun,” Perla said.
Raiden highlighted one of the kid-friendly attractions: “Watching the pigs race and the pigs…”
Away from the main arena, students from Valley View FFA in North Texas prepared to show their pigs. Gunnar, standing with his Berkshire pig, said, “So this is my Berkshire. We just got 9th place in one of the Class of ’35. The goal is to win your first class into your breed…”
Others said showing animals at a young age can help teach responsibility.
“I think it helps them with responsibility and stuff like that. Getting out there, doing stuff with all the animals. Just a really good lesson to learn to take care of things like that,” one participant said.
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The rodeo also features 21 new shopping vendors this year, along with nightly rodeo events and concerts.