San Antonio Rodeo Faces Weather Shift Amid Thrilling Events

SAN ANTONIO — After a warm opening to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which kicked off earlier this week, Friday night brought a chill that reminded attendees of the typical February weather.

Chris Derby, Chief Marketing Officer for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, provided details on event pricing. “You can get all of this for $35, for a rodeo ticket. It includes your fairgrounds admission, your rodeo ticket, and the concert. There’s nowhere else in town to get you all that fun,” Derby said.

With expected large crowds this weekend, Derby advised visitors to arrive early and consider parking ahead of time, with fees set at $10 for the Blue Lot and $20 for the Gold Lot near Frost Bank Center. “This Saturday is going to be crazy,” he predicted, referencing a lineup that includes marquee performances by the Turnpike Troubadours and Southall, with Zack Top headlining on Sunday.

However, food prices have raised eyebrows among attendees. A funnel cake can cost up to $19, while a giant western sausage is priced at $21.99, and a Texas-sized turkey leg fetches $23.99, excluding tax.

Madison Brown, a regular attendee from Boerne, expressed her excitement about the rodeo despite the rising costs. “Every year we get past the pandemic, the city comes back stronger, the spirits are higher and brighter. I think it’s really lovely to have gray skies and decent weather,” Brown shared.

Brown acknowledged the trends in price increases but emphasized her family’s enjoyment of traditional Texas food. “My favorite thing is the mutton bustin of course; we love the mutton bustin, and the concerts are great as well,” her father, Jason Brown, added.

Jason Brown praised the overall atmosphere of the event. “Clean, family environment, I love that they honor America with the national anthem and pledge of allegiance. It’s just great to share it with San Antonio,” he said.

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo features over 100 free activities and 200 shops, attracting many families and spectators. Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., ensuring an extensive window for visitors to participate in the festivities.