Cowtown Coliseum — Attraction in Fort Worth

We bought tickets to last night's rodeo weeks in advance online and brought out of town guests to Cowtown Coliseum, but our hope to show the best of friendly Fort Worth did not materialize. 1) "There is plenty of parking" (quoted from their website) may be true, but last night there was a parking shortage. Every lot we tried was full. We finally found parking by Coopers BBQ near NE 28th Street north of Billy Bob's. TIP: Leave early. 2) "Have your phone open to QR code and set to maximum brightness" (quoted from website) Our first attempt to enter with my phone open on the AXS app (that you are forced to download) was glitchy and unsuccessful. The entrance attendant rudely says "you're here on the wrong day" (clearly not true) and did not offer any solutions. We headed over to the box office and find a long line. While standing in the line, we miss the start of the rodeo and finally see a small obscure sign posted at the box office window that recommends to connect TO THE FREE COLISEUM WIFI if you are having problems getting a readable QR code. If spotty cell service and a glitchy app are such a common issue, the remedy of switching to WIFI should be displayed more prominently and should have been offered by the first rude gate attendant. TIP: connect to Coliseum WIFI before entering. 3) "There are ushers available to help you find your seats" The first usher we found directed us to the wrong seats, one of which was broken. The next usher we found had a bad attitude but finally directed us to our seats. By now we had missed the first 30 minutes of the rodeo. TIP: Either memorize or keep a map of where your seats are. Do not rely on staff to help you.

There are so many wonderful things to do in this great and friendly city! Unfortunately, Cowtown Coliseum is not...

VISITED SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2024: This was my daughter, husband, and my first time at a Rodeo. I had no expectations. There was a lot of buzz and excitement that you could feel around you. The scent of manure and whatever else fills the air as you enter the building. Folks are dressed in either western wear or for a night out. A young lady was singing before the events of the evening started. Once the event started, the audience by the was informed by the MC that there would be filming for a movie and the crowd was to get into it and cheer really loud during the Rodeo. Before the event started, the MC introduces the clowns who assist in distracting the horses and cattle so they don't go after the rider. He also introduced additional horse riders that assist during the events. Next was the singing of the national anthem. It was lovely because a rider came out on a white horse holding the American flag. Tear jerker! The events started with the cowboys being bucked of the horses (am I terming this correctly?). It was painful to watch but the riders had what looked like hard body covers to protect them. Most of the riders did not stay for more than mere seconds. The filming lasted for about a 1/2 hour. Afterwards, the rodeo proceeded with more horse bucked riders, tying up calfs by time and additional rodeo contests. This is not for the weak of heart. I certainly didn't enjoy some aspects but there were some amazing, awe moments as well. OVERALL: It was a unique experience! RECOMMENDATION: It can sell out, buy...

In 2021, I saw the CBS show on “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo” and I said I have to go! My family and one of my friends that lives in Dallas decided to go once the “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo” was at the Fort Worth Stockyards, Cowtown Coliseum on February 18, 2023.

I’m so glad this was my first Rodeo competition experience! Last year, I went to the San Antonio Rodeo and saw the animals and enjoyed the carnival. I didn’t see any cowboy competitions. Before the “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo” began, I had a chance to walk around the Cowtown Coliseum. I saw the Early Years history wall, the historic Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and Bill Pickett Exhibit which included his saddle and rodeo gloves.

Once the “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo” began, I learned alot about the history of rodeo. We had great seats, in section D, row 2 and we were able to see everything. We even saw a cute 3 year old cowboy competing! He did such a GREAT job. I loved seeing the cowboys and cowgirls doing black cowboy culture especially during Black History Month.

Thank you “Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo” for educating everyone about Black Western Heritage and the significance of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls.

Once the rodeo was over, we left the Cowtown Coliseum just in time for the Fort Worth Herd of Longhorn’s doing the famous cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It was my Dad and Sister’s first time seeing longhorns. They loved it. We definitely got the full rodeo experience, of course wearing our cowboy...