History

Cowtown Coliseum History

 In 1907, construction broke ground for Cowtown Coliseum, which was originally known as Grand Coliseum. The project cost only $250,000 to build, which today would be around $6.2 million plus labor. After completion in only 88 working days, the Coliseum was finished in 1908, right on time for the grand opening of the Feeders and Breeders show. It was then that the Cowtown Coliseum became the home of the first indoor rodeo. Cowtown Coliseum contributed greatly to the growth of the Fort Worth economy, by bringing in more than $6 million, with 265,276 cattle, 128,934 hogs and 40,160 sheep.

Fun Facts & Key Points 

• We were the home of the world’s first indoor rodeo in 1918, and part of the Southwest Exposition and Fat Stock Show.

• We are currently home of the world’s only year-round rodeo.

• The first rodeo to be broadcast on live radio was in 1932 on WBAP.

• We are a recorded Texas Historic Landmark recognized by the Texas Historical Commission.

• Many famous folks have visited here, including General Pershing, Enrico Caruso, Bob Wills, Doris Day, Bob Hope, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, President Carter and President Roosevelt.
• Many commercials, music videos and TV shows have been filmed here. Some of these include movies Pure Country, starring George Strait, and Tough Enough, starring Dennis Quaid. Television series include Dallas, Love at First Sight, Little Women and more. Major news stations such as ESPN, Ride TV, RFD TV and the Cowboy Channel have also been broadcast here.

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

Rodeo competitions occur every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:30pm.

Since the beginning...