Organizers expect more than two million people to visit the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo during its 18-day run at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has named it the best indoor rodeo in the nation, featuring some of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the country.
Bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton bustin' are among the major attractions. The rodeo includes daily or nightly concerts, and show times are at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan is the scheduled post-rodeo entertainment on Feb. 13.
The music concert lineup features some of the top acts of country music, including Aaron Watson, who is scheduled to play Thursday, Feb. 7. Brett Eldredge plays the final show on Feb. 23.
But not all of the acts are country music. The Mexican group La Adictiva performs on Feb. 17, and rocker Sammy Hagar and The Circle take the stage on Feb. 21.
Visitors can also enjoy a carnival, food and beverage vendors, and the livestock show where local high school students auction off the animals to raise money for college. Last year, the auction for Checkers, the champion steer, raised $110,000.
The Stock Show and Rodeo opened in 1950, and, according to its website, it has committed 198-million dollars to educating young people through the stock show and related events.
The rodeo rides off into the sunset on Feb. 24.
