In the interest of public health, the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department have ordered the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to close March 11 as a result of escalating COVID-19 cases in the Houston area.
The rodeo said it will respectfully and dutifully comply with the city’s order.
The rodeo said in a statement that it is deeply saddened by the move but that the safety and well-being of its guests and community is its top priority.
"Out of precaution, the city has decided that this is the best course of action for our community. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has been a fabric of this community since 1932. Having to close early is extremely difficult as guests, volunteers, exhibitors, rodeo athletes and entertainers look forward to the 20 days of the Rodeo each year. We look forward to the 2021 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to continue to promote agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."
The event was scheduled to run through March 22.
There are currently over 25 cases of COVID-19 in the state of Texas. Fourteen of those cases are in the Houston area.
