Convenience Big Store: The rodeo's negative impact on Houston's restaurants

March 18, 2025

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The day the show didn't go on at the rodeo

Last week, I asked y'all for your memories of the day the show didn't go on at the rodeo. Many of y'all talked about how hearing that the rodeo was closing was your moment of realization that this whole COVID thing was going to be a real big deal and change everything. For me that moment was learning that the NBA was indefinitely suspending its season, but the feelings I experienced were very similar to those you shared in your emails.

Here are some of your memories:

Marilyn G: On this date in 2020, I was the IT director for an organization with about 70 employees. As I was walking toward the break room, I met a group of employees going the other way. They told me that the rodeo was shutting down. That was the moment I fully realized what was happening. I immediately concentrated on equipping the staff to work remotely — purchasing and issuing portable computers, deploying MS Teams, and training the employees how to use it. It was a truly insane week!

Stan P: I remember exactly where I was when the 2020 rodeo closed because I was getting off the rail and walking into the road. I work downtown and took the rail to the rodeo to meet my first cousin and his sons, one who was showing a Brahman heifer as a member for Frankston FFA. As I walked off the rail, I got an alert that the rodeo would close that day. After entering the rodeo and meeting my cousin and his sons, there was an announcement the rodeo would close that day. After lunch with my cousin and his sons, I took the rail back to work downtown. I called my wife and we both said the closing of the rodeo is a landmark moment and COVID will change everything. It sure did.

We're fast approaching the last days of the rodeo. What are you making a priority before the show ends?

Cat DeLaura, Senior Audience Strategy Editor for Newsletters

cat.delaura@houstonchronicle.com

🎤 On the big stage

Charley Crockett makes his way to the RodeoHouston stage in a convertable Thunderbird at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

About Last Night: Charley Crockett

The attendance topped out at 52,654, the lowest so far this year. But enjoying a concert isn't about numbers.

Post Malone performs during the Pre-Grammy Gala on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Photo by: Richard Shotwell, Associated Press

Up Next: Post Malone

Post Malone will put his country music chops to the test at his debut Houston Rodeo show.

Go Tejano Day remains one of the most attended days at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, celebrating Tejano music and culture with a full lineup of entertainment.⁠ A key part of that celebration — the Go Tejano Mariachi Invitational, where top mariachi groups compete for the title of champion.⁠ Watch scenes from this year's performance here.

📅 The calendar

March 18: Post Malone
March 19: Old Dominion
March 20: Cody Jinks
March 21: Parker McCollum
March 22: Brooks & Dunn

Notice: You're receiving this update as part of our special coverage of the rodeo and its impact on Houston's food, music and arts culture. Find the rest of our coverage of RodeoHouston at Houstonchronicle.com