It was delivery day where truck after truck hauled in dirt to prepare the arena at the Hilliard Center.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The countdown to Buc Days is officially on, and crews were hard at work Tuesday transforming the Hilliard Center ahead of one of Corpus Christi’s biggest annual traditions.

It was delivery day where truck after truck hauled in dirt to prepare the arena for this Friday night’s Buc Days Tour Finals for PBR, followed by Rodeo Corpus Christi next week.

Outside, carnival rides were being assembled as the midway slowly came to life. Inside, truckloads of dirt poured in as crews worked to turn the arena floor into rodeo grounds.

The behind-the-scenes transformation is one many festivalgoers never see, but it takes a major effort to make it happen.

Chase Curry, chief operating officer with Trout Trucking Company, said his team has been handling the dirt operation for decades.

“We’ve been doing this for 27 years from the very beginning… it’s a big part of the community,” Curry said.

This year’s setup calls for 1,500 tons of dirt, with more than 100 truckloads arriving each day.

“It’s a lot of moving pieces,” Curry said.

Once the loads are dumped, heavy equipment spreads and levels the surface, getting it ready for cowboys, livestock and rodeo action later this week.

Across the way, vendors were filling the 76,000-square-foot exhibit hall, which becomes the Shops at Treasure Island during Buc Days. Booths were being stocked and displays assembled ahead of opening night.

That’s where Yellow Rose Creations owner Annette Chapman was busy preparing for the crowds.

“Today is moving day. Tomorrow is moving day. Thursday we open at 4 o’clock when all my goodies will be up and ready,” Chapman said.

Chapman said she has watched the event grow over the years.

“Every year my sales have increased and increased and increased,” she said.

And while festival favorites like turkey legs, corn dogs and cotton candy will still be available, Buc Days is also adding a new local option this year.

For the first time, Water Street Restaurants is opening a pop-up location on site, bringing hometown favorites to Rodeo goers.

“Everyone wanted a little bit more local flair, so we’re happy to serve some of all of our signature products,” said Richard Lomax with Water Street Restaurants.

Buc Days leaders said adding new experiences while keeping longtime traditions is part of what keeps people coming back each year.

“We’re really excited to bring two traditions of Corpus Christi together… Water Street restaurants and Buc Days,” said Buc Days President and CEO Johnny Philipello.

Buc Days begins Thursday and includes the carnival, shopping, rodeo events, live entertainment and family attractions.