by Matt Payne
Dickies Arena
Enraged bulls. Tamed horses. Long-haired rock stars. People in boots and Stetsons as far as the eye can see. These things converge but once a year, and when they do, it can be a tad overwhelming. This Stock Show season, we did the grunt work and put together this guide to help you along. From what to wear, who to see, and where to be, we answer all your questions to ensure you’re not getting roped into the wrong rodeo.
THE PLACE
Making the Stock Show World-Class
Inaugural rodeo at Dickies Arena promises unprecedented action.
Fort Worthians have perhaps never experienced the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo exactly how the one-of-a-kind layout of the brand-new superdome hosting the 2020 rendition will enable. Dickies Arena, which stakeholders call “Texas’ crown jewel,” touts a specially designed, interchangeable layout to accommodate a wide spectrum of events, including a major emphasis on “rodeo culture” that’ll be witnessed by thousands in the inaugural rodeo at the destination. From Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, the typical hardwood underneath the squeaking and shuffling of basketball shoes will give way to good, simple, ruddy dirt.
The classic dirt ground proper for hootin’ and hollerin’ rodeo fans will be trodden upon at this year’s stock show and rodeo events. Philanthropist Ed Bass, the man who helped spearhead manifesting Dickies Arena, has called the design “true Texas vernacular.” Typical rodeo fanatics love sitting front and center toward the action, an intentional accommodation Bass has said allows guests to get dirt kicked in their face.
“It’s part of the experience,” Bass said in an October tour of the facility.
In fact, part of Dickies Arena architecture was crafted to suit this Old West mess. Beams up above in the rafters are so arranged to prevent too much dirt buildup from the underneath action. And for fans who want to step back for a broader view of the action and socialize with fellow cowpokes and cowgals, there’s standing room just outside the rodeo boxes to catch their breath. With access to 12 concession stands and three concession bars, Dickies Arena promises incredible sight lines from every seat, dedicated concession seating, and ample end-zone views.
Beyond logistics, notes of carefully crafted tributes to the Fort Worth area and Lone Star State decorate Dickies Arena. Both the pedestrian experience on the exterior and the ornate design of the interior make for a venue never before seen in Cowtown. Immediately noticed upon walking outside Dickies Arena is the Fort Worth skyline just beyond the Trinity River, something eventgoers will always be able to enjoy for years to come at Dickies Arena.
Chandeliers inspired by the Prairie Rose flower and terrazzo floor comprise the overarching motif of the Texas prairie life. Deeper inside Dickies Arena, guests will notice the minutiae of leather panels with bug-and-wrinkle stitching in tribute to saddle and boot makers.
The two clubs — Avion Club and Reliant Club — are premium seating that offer ease of access for concessions while also maintaining pristine viewing angles. “We like people to see what’s what and where to go,” Bass says. “As you walk around the building ... every time you turn the corner, you’re reoriented.”
Bass, when asked in October why he invested so heavily in Dickies Arena, said using his wealth for the benefit of the community is a responsibility, not a privilege.
“I could make plans for that wealth after I die, make plans for foundations, for charitable giving, and those things are very important to me ... but it occurred to me, ‘Why make all this planning, wait till you die, and worry that whoever is in charge of this will not follow instructions?
“I am giving to the people of Fort Worth ... I am giving a piece of my wealth at a time where it is immediately useful, when I can participate, and I can help guide it the way that I envision.”
Can’t-Miss Events
With a slew of events, legions of bulls, and stockpiles of, well, stock, calling the Stock Show a daunting event is an understatement. With the understanding that there’s too much to do and too little time to do it in, we’ve put together a small list of must-dos to make your experience as complete as possible.
Best of Mexico Celebración
In Texas, it’s hard not to appreciate and celebrate Mexican culture on a near daily basis (and if you’re not, you should be), but this is a party you won’t want to miss. Entertainment will include trick riders, mariachis, and folklorico dancers. Dickies Arena, Jan. 19
Extreme Mustang Makeover
Can you tame a wild horse in four months? That’s the maybe-not-so-futile task that entrants hope to accomplish in this inaugural event, which will display the trainability of a horse with a top prize of $50,000. Will Rogers Coliseum, Jan. 23 – 25
PRORODEO Tournament
According to Brad Barnes, this event is “designed for the first-timer to understand, appreciate, and follow rodeo action from beginning to the crowning of Fort Worth Stock Show rodeo champions.” It’s this year’s signature event with a bracket format to make the competition more accessible. Oh, and there’s more than $1 million on the line across eight competitions. So there’s that. Dickies Arena, Jan. 24 – Feb. 8
Bulls’ Night Out
Hair braiding and watching “Dirty Dancing” will not be on the Bulls’ itinerary during this night out. Instead, these prickly, horned creatures will treat attendees to several hours of the rodeo’s most exciting (and brutal) show: bull riding. Dickies Arena, Jan. 21 – 22
