Fort Worth, Texas — As North Texas braces for its first real chance of wintry precipitation this season, organizers of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo say preparations are well underway to keep events running safely as colder weather moves in.
The winter weather threat is expected to arrive about a week into the annual Stock Show and Rodeo, an event that has taken place during the coldest months of the year for well over a century. Organizers say winter planning is built into the event long before gates ever open.
Longstanding experience with winter conditions
Event officials emphasize that hosting a large public gathering in January and February comes with an expectation of cold and, at times, hazardous weather.
“When you have a public event in January and February — and we’ve been having a public event in January and February since 1896 — you’re prepared going into the show well in advance,” said Communications Director Matt Brockman.
That long history has shaped detailed response plans designed to minimize disruptions while prioritizing safety for visitors, staff, and animals.
Coordination with city agencies underway
As forecasts begin to solidify, Stock Show leadership is working closely with multiple partners across the city to ensure conditions are monitored and addressed quickly.
Brockman said coordination is ongoing with:
- Dickies Arena
- Will Rogers Memorial Center
- City of Fort Worth transportation and public works departments
These partnerships allow crews to respond rapidly if icy or slick conditions develop around the event grounds.
Sand and salt ready for deployment
Preparations already include materials staged and ready to be used at a moment’s notice.
“Sand is stockpiled. Salt is stockpiled. It’s kept in bins and ready to go when we need it,” Brockman said.
He explained that if wintry precipitation begins, street sanding crews could be deployed quickly, followed by crews focused on walkways, entrances, and pedestrian areas throughout the complex.
Key preparedness steps include:
- Rapid street sanding if precipitation begins
- Treatment of sidewalks and pedestrian walkways
- Ongoing monitoring of changing conditions
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Rodeo events expected to continue
Despite the potential for winter weather, organizers say the core events are unlikely to be affected.
Throughout its long history, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has experienced winter storms before. In some cases, outdoor attractions such as the midway carnival or petting zoo have temporarily closed due to weather, but officials say a rodeo event has never been canceled because of winter conditions.
“Most everything else here at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is indoors,” Brockman said.
Indoor venues provide shelter from the cold
Officials are reminding visitors that much of the experience takes place inside climate-controlled facilities, reducing exposure to cold temperatures.
Attendees are encouraged to:
- Dress in layers
- Allow extra travel time if weather worsens
- Follow guidance from event staff and city officials
“We encourage people to layer up, come out, get comfortable,” Brockman said. “Most everything you’re going to enjoy is in a climate-controlled facility.”
Monitoring continues as forecast evolves
While no major disruptions are currently anticipated, organizers stress that weather conditions can change quickly. Staff will continue monitoring forecasts and adjust operations if necessary to maintain safety.
With preparation measures already in place and coordination across city agencies, officials say the Stock Show and Rodeo is ready to adapt if winter weather arrives.
As North Texas heads deeper into winter, visitors planning to attend are encouraged to stay informed and flexible. Are you planning to attend the Stock Show this week, and how are you preparing for the cold? Share your thoughts in the comments.
