The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo concluded with a bang in 2024, setting record attendance numbers and showcasing top-tier entertainment. Over the course of 23 days, more than 2.5 million people attended the event, marking the highest overall attendance since 2017.
The highlight of the event was the impressive lineup of musical acts that drew huge crowds to NRG Stadium. The Jonas Brothers set a new all-time attendance record with 75,600 fans packed into the stadium on one night, while other artists like Nickelback, 50 Cent, and Jelly Roll also attracted large audiences.
Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, credited the success of the event to the diverse entertainment lineup, rodeo competitions, agricultural exhibits, and food offerings. The event not only celebrated Western heritage but also served as a community celebration for all attendees.
In addition to the musical performances, records were also broken at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the junior auction sales. The grand champion steer, raised by Blaize Benson of San Angelo, fetched a staggering $1 million at auction, tying the record set in 2022. Don Jordan, the buyer of the grand champion steer, expressed his gratitude for being able to defend his world record title with the support of fellow buyers.
Moreover, junior market auctions for barrows, goats, lambs, and turkeys, as well as the RodeoUncorked Grand Champion wine auction, also set new records. All the profits generated at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo go towards funding college scholarships for Texas students.
Boleman acknowledged the dedication of the 35,000 volunteers who contributed to the success of the event and emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Texas youth and education. The record-breaking achievements of the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.
As the event came to a close, RodeoHouston shared their appreciation for the record-breaking year on social media, thanking Houston for its support. The 2024 edition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be remembered as a remarkable success and a testament to the community’s passion for Western heritage and entertainment.