Cowtown Coliseum is a historic rodeo arena built in 1908, making it a cornerstone of the Fort Worth Stockyards ever since. And while the PBR championships earlier this month had Dallas-Fort Worth tipping its hats and buzzing about the rodeo, you never need an excuse to take a trip out to Fort Worth to watch some of the world's best cowboys.
The arena in Fort Worth ain't your average rodeo host, either.
Construction for the Cowtown Coliseum began in 1907 and was completed only 88 days later- finishing in 1908.
Aaren Prody
Each December, ahead of the National Finals Rodeo — considered the Super Bowl of rodeo — in Las Vegas, many professional riders make their way to Fort Worth because Cowtown Coliseum is the same size as the one in Vegas.
Usually, around November of each year, you have the opportunity to watch the nation's most skilled cowboys and cowgirls prepare for the competition of the year.
The Platinum VIP Deck section is undeniably home to the best seats in the house because it offers a perfect view of the competition and allows you to see into the bucking chutes for the bulls and horses.
The VIP lanyard includes access to the open bar, where you can try some of the venue's signature cocktails featuring Pendleton Whisky.
Pendleton Whisky is an Oregon-based whiskey brand that pays homage to the hard work and character woven into the Western lifestyle. The company sponsors the coliseum, as well as the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the most famous and historic professional rodeos in the U.S.to keep the spirit of the cowboy alive.
A whisky cocktail served in a mini boot is the perfect pre-game to a night at the Cowtown Coliseum rodeo.
Aaren Prody
While whiskey is always well enjoyed on the rocks or straight, you need to try Pendleton Whisky's margarita for the true Cowtown experience. Dubbed the "Rodeo Rita," the drink is made with Pendleton Original Whisky, triple sec, fresh lime juice, margarita mix, and garnished with a lime. The original whiskey works well in a margarita because of its smooth, mellow flavor and soft body.
It's also not as spicy as other spirits can be and doesn't overpower the other flavors. With the luxury of having a private bartender in the Platinum VIP Deck, you can ask for Pendleton's other signature drinks like the Rodeo Mary and Pendleton Paloma.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the event, with the lowest price being around $25, while VIP seats can start at $100. Regardless of where you are, though, you'll want to get the most out of the experience. Our insider tip is to avoid leaving when you start to see some spectators head toward the doors after the official announcers leave — if you stay a little later, you'll get a longer rodeo show.
For the official rodeo, only a certain number of people can sign up before a cut-off. After the cut-off, those competitors have to compete during "Slack," which happens after the rodeo.
Sometimes, Slack can have almost 250 more cowboys and cowgirls competing, so you're really only getting half of the show if you leave your seat when the main rodeo ends. All of the regular events are featured in the rodeo, but we saw barrel racing and more roping events when we stayed a little later for the after-show.
Grab a day at the Coliseum by the horns and catch the twice-daily (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.) cattle drive in front of the Livestock Exchange Building.
Aaren Prody
Of course, no two rodeos are ever really the same, which is what makes Cowtown Coliseum an unpredictable spectacle every time.
But if there is one constant we feel confident in declaring, it's that the iconic Billy Bob's Texas honky tonk is the only place to go after the show.
You can see Cowtown Coliseum's full event lineup here.
