Cowtown Coliseum | Fort Worth

Cowtown Coliseum: The Beating Heart of Fort Worth's Western Heritage

Nestled in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the Cowtown Coliseum stands as a living monument to the American West. Since its opening in 1908, the Coliseum has been more than just a rodeo arena—it has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s identity, an enduring symbol of cowboy culture, and a stage for Texas-sized entertainment.

A Pioneer of Indoor Rodeo

When it was built, the Cowtown Coliseum was the first of its kind—a venue constructed specifically to host indoor rodeos. In 1918, it made history by presenting the world's first indoor rodeo event, setting a standard for countless arenas to follow. Just a few years later, in 1923, the coliseum would again be at the forefront of innovation by hosting the first-ever rodeo broadcast over live radio. These milestones earned Cowtown Coliseum national recognition and cemented its place in rodeo history.

Architectural Grit and Western Elegance

The coliseum’s Mission Revival architecture features arched windows, natural gray stucco, and exposed timber beams that evoke the rugged yet refined spirit of early 20th-century Texas. Though it has undergone multiple renovations, each update has respected the original design, carefully blending modern amenities with historic charm. Today, the venue includes upgraded seating, enhanced lighting and sound systems, and air conditioning—all while preserving its vintage Western feel.

A Stage for Legends and Livestock

Cowtown Coliseum has welcomed an impressive roster of guests throughout its long history. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter have passed through its gates, and the arena has echoed with performances from Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers, and even opera singer Enrico Caruso. It’s also made its mark in Hollywood, appearing in films like Pure Country and Tough Enough, as well as TV shows including Walker, Texas Ranger.

Despite its fame, the Coliseum has never lost sight of its roots. It continues to host the Stockyards Championship Rodeo every Friday and Saturday night—a beloved tradition that draws locals and tourists alike. The rodeo includes classic events like bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, keeping the frontier spirit alive for new generations.

More Than Just Rodeo

In addition to rodeos, the coliseum is home to a full schedule of Western sports. Every Thursday, fans can catch PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Stockyards Showcase events. Sundays are reserved for Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF), bringing freestyle bullfighting to the arena. The venue also hosts culturally diverse shows such as Mexico en la Sangre, showcasing Mexican charro traditions, and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, celebrating African American cowboy heritage.

A Hall of Fame Within Its Walls

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame is located inside the Coliseum, honoring the men and women who have shaped the rodeo world through skill, bravery, and enduring legacy. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the stories of legendary riders, stock contractors, and rodeo clowns whose influence stretches far beyond Texas.

A Modern Experience in a Historic Setting

Visitors today enjoy a seamless blend of past and present. The box office is open daily, and the venue’s location in the Stockyards means it's surrounded by shops, saloons, museums, and restaurants that offer a full immersion into Fort Worth’s cowboy culture. Whether attending a bull riding event or just stopping in to admire its history, the Cowtown Coliseum delivers an authentic experience unlike any other.

More than a century after it first opened its gates, the Cowtown Coliseum remains a centerpiece of Fort Worth’s cultural landscape—a place where history bucks, rides, and still draws a crowd.