Rodeo Houston kick starts lobbying organization to address issues

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a staple of Houston since 1931. The tradition has seeped into the roots of the city, and it has now become not just one of the biggest events in the city, but one of the biggest in the country, and the largest rodeo in the world. But even amid all the pandemonium and fun that comes with it, there are some issues as the HLSR nears the end of a 30-year deal with NRG Park.

The rodeo works on 30-year deals for locations. For years, it was held at Sam Houston Coliseum, before moving to the Astrodome in the 1960s. Since the construction of Reliant Stadium in 2002, now known as NRG Stadium, the rodeo has been held there. But persistent problems at NRG Park are bringing new ideas to the forefront, and the HLSR is trying to get their voice heard, and they are doing so by creating a new lobbying organization.

The newly created HLSR Community Coalition is now set to advocate for their interests in the future. Chairman of the coalition Ray Hinsley says this is a common practice now for many non-profits, and gives them new avenues at location solutions, and possible fixes.

"There is a lot of issues at the park that need replacement, the numbers are very large in terms of deferred maintenance," he says. "We are looking at trying to have a voice."

The organization becomes registered as a 501(c)(4), as the rodeo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization itself. This allows them to lobby, which regular non-profits cannot do.

The contract with NRG Park expires in 2032, so there is still almost a decade to take care of the issues, but even with all that time, things are getting a bit concerning. That does not mean the rodeo will move to a different city of course, but they do need options on the table.

This lobbying goes beyond just buildings, though. It is about growth, and not in terms of attendance.

"We want to expand our mission to include all areas of youth, education, and agriculture...we will be advocating for the four mission pillars of the rodeo," he says.

The rodeo is huge for kids, especially those in FAA and in rural areas. It gives them a chance to showcase their talents, whether that be with animals or with trades like welding.

It is also, of course, a huge economic boost for the city, bringing in over $300 million in economic impact in 2024. But they also have their focus on the people that make the event so special.

"We are also focused on our 35,000 volunteers, and making sure their voices are heard as well," says Hinsley.

Now, there is a huge, big building currently sitting in NRG Park that is vacant, the 7th Wonder of the World, the Houston Astrodome. Hinsley adds there are no plans to use it, as that would be up to the Houston Sports Authority.