At a Glance
- The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is bracing for the season’s first wintry weather.
- Staff have stockpiled sand, salt, and equipment to keep walkways and roads clear.
- Most events are indoors, so organizers say shows will go on as planned.
- Why it matters: Visitors can still attend without worrying about full cancellations.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo refuses to let incoming winter weather derail its 2025 run. With the first potential snow and ice of the year forecast to hit North Texas, crews have spent days preparing every inch of the grounds.
Century-Old Show Faces New Cold Snap
The event, running annually since 1896, is no stranger to January and February chills. Communications Director Matt Brockman told News Of Fort Worth that planning for harsh conditions begins months in advance.
“When you have a public event in January and February, we’ve been having a public event in January and February since 1896. You’re prepared going into the show well in advance,” Brockman said.
This week’s forecast marks the first measurable wintry precipitation threat of the season. Organizers expect light ice or snow to arrive roughly seven days into the rodeo’s month-long schedule.
Stockpiles Ready for Quick Deployment
Brockman outlined a detailed response plan already in motion:
- Sand and salt sit in weather-tight bins across the grounds
- City of Fort Worth transportation crews will treat nearby streets first
- Internal teams will follow with walkways and pedestrian zones
- Carnival rides and the petting zoo face possible temporary closure if conditions worsen
“Sand is stockpiled. Salt is stockpiled. It’s kept in bins and ready to go when we need it,” he noted.
Street-sanding trucks will roll out the moment precipitation starts. Crews will then shift to sidewalks, vendor areas, and livestock barns.
Indoor Venues Keep the Show Rolling
Unlike outdoor festivals, the bulk of the Stock Show and Rodeo takes place under roofs. Dickies Arena hosts major rodeo performances, while Will Rogers Memorial Center houses livestock shows, vendor halls, and concerts.
“Most everything else here at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is indoors, so we encourage people to layer up, come out, get comfortable. Most everything you’re going to enjoy is in a climate-controlled facility,” Brockman added.
Historical records show the midway carnival and petting zoo have shut down during past ice events, but a rodeo performance has never been canceled because of winter weather.
Visitor Tips for Cold Days
Organizers offer straightforward advice for guests arriving during the cold snap:
- Dress in layers; parking lots and shuttle stops are exposed
- Arrive early; treated surfaces may still be slick at dawn
- Download the event app for real-time ride and venue updates
- Check @FWSSR social feeds before heading out
Brockman emphasized that gates will open on schedule unless the City of Fort Worth declares a road-closure emergency. Livestock competitors, vendors, and contract staff have all been briefed on the weather plan.
Timeline of Key Preparations
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Early January | Salt and sand ordered and stored on-site |
| One week before forecast | Coordination calls with City departments begin |
| 24 hours out | Final equipment checks and crew briefings |
| Precipitation starts | Street crews deploy first, walkway crews follow |
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo runs through early February. Ticket holders can monitor News Of Fort Worth‘s website and the rodeo’s official channels for schedule changes, though none are anticipated at this time.
Key Takeaways
- The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has weathered winter storms for 129 years
- Sand, salt, and city coordination aim to keep access roads and walkways safe
- Indoor venues mean rodeo performances and most attractions stay open
- Guests should dress warmly and allow extra travel time
