2015 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Some former military NCO's must be involved with the San Antonio Rodeo. It is organized, clean, safe and runs with a precision that would make any Swiss clockmaker proud. The fact that it has won the best indoor large rodeo for ten years straight attests to that. Rodeo; perhaps more than any other sport, goes out of its way to generate funding and support youth organizations. Everyone has their reasons for attending, but to me the only downer is that merchandising has almost overtaken what part of the grounds that the stock show doesn't use

 

San Antonio's rodeo also books top drawer entertainment, with acts ranging from One Direction to Jeff Foxworthy. One way to enjoy both the rodeo and the entertainment is to purchase Rodeo Star Experience tickets; which benefits a youth rodeo charity. However, this package is wildly popular and is limited to 200 people per event. Typically the San Antonio Rodeo announces and starts selling tickets for their entertainment in late October or early November for the following year's rodeo. We were determined to purchase the Rodeo Star Experience ticket package, so we stayed in contact with the Rodeo. Our efforts were rewarded as we scored tickets to Keith Urban. Now, I have to tell you I like Keith Urban, but I wouldn't call him my favorite artist. Perhaps it was the fact that our seats were within ten feet of the stage; but from the first note he had me. The man is a dynamo and a virtuoso on the guitar. He connects in an unassuming manner and obviously loves to share his virtuosity with the audience. The sounds emanating from four guys (the drummer had just been replaced and this was his first gig) was sublime. Suffice it to say that Keith moved up in my list of favorite musicians. It goes without saying that we found the San Antonio Stock and Rodeo Show Rodeo Star Experience more than worthwhile. Here's a brief synopsis of what's included. Grounds tickets, reserved and paid parking, rodeo seats in a reserved zone, two drinks a piece, a steak dinner with all the trimmings, seats down on the rodeo dirt directly in front of the revolving stage and a souvenir chair to keep. It's not cheap, but a couple just attending the rodeo (the concert is included) will easily spend at least half or more than we did. And that's without a meal and sitting in the rafters to boot. This easily made my list of top five concerts ever and the best entertainment for the money spent period. Go attend the rodeo and then you'll understand just how valuable the Rodeo Star Experience was.