Convenience Big Store: Hidalgo says rodeo revoked her ex officio title after dispute

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March 12, 2026

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo speaks during the Harris County State of the County luncheon in Houston, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Houston rodeo revokes Lina Hidalgo's ex officio title after premium access dispute

After Lina Hidalgo said she was "manhandled" and kicked out of Tuesday's Megan Moroney concert at NRG Stadium, Houston rodeo officials said the Harris County judge had been told beforehand that she did not have premium access to the arena dirt floor near the concert stage.

Rodeo officials said Hidalgo had been given 21 chute tickets with dirt access to three earlier concerts this season, worth approximately $9,000, but not Moroney's show.

The judge acknowledged her office was not given the wristbands typically distributed to holders of chute tickets Tuesday, but said she had not been asked to wear one at previous performances and said no one told her she was not allowed to enter the dirt area that night.

Hidalgo said the rodeo also informed her Thursday that its executive committee has voted to revoke her status as an ex-officio director of the event.

John Lomax V has more on the rodeo controversy.

Matt Wyatt, Audience Producer

matt.wyatt@houstonchronicle.com

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Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

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Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

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📅 The calendar

Tonight: Chris Stapleton // Volunteer Appreciation Day
March 13: Shaboozey
March 14: Kelly Clarkson
March 15: Pepe Aguilar // Go Tejano Day
March 16: Cross Canadian Ragweed

🔧 News you can use

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