That’s right, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicked off this week despite Houston’s gloomy weather. Each year hundreds of thousands from all over the world visit Houston for the food, fun, family oriented shows, concerts and more! But your hoot’n toot’n good time can quickly take a left turn simply with one wrong step. So, I’m here to make sure you 2-step thru the rodeo with ease with a few tips.
1. Plan to Succeed
You all know the saying: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” There’s so much to do at the rodeo, you can end up using all of your energy just walking around. The NRG Stadium is a really big place and you can end up getting lost. That’s why the HLSR has a map just for you, you can stop and pick one up or visit https://www.rodeohouston.com to plan out your day. Put the things you want to do the most at the top of your list so you won’t run out of time to do them. Be extra prepard by arriving early to jumpstart your fun.
2. Bumper to Bumper!
If you know you are going to a concert remember traffic is going to be ridiculous! Remember the 75k plus people who headed to see the most celebrated woman of Hop-Hop, Cardi B? You might as well consider 610, 59 and 45 parking lots. To take the pressure off, use a rideshare or take the metro rail. Also find your seat before the concert starts to avoid “crowd frustration. It will be hard to avoid crowds all together; however, if you choose a day during the week, you are more than likely to avoid large crowds. Again, arriving early will be helpful to maneuver and avoid some frustration but pack your patience.
3. Give Me the Loot!
The biggest mistake people make when attending the rodeo, is not bringing enough cash. Yes, the rodeo is set up to take cards; however, again you can run into long lines. Skip the line by bringing cash. You want to make a budget. I would budget about 15 dollars per food item, and 8 dollars per drink item. Avoid using the ATM onsite or around the area as excessive fees may apply. Secure your money in safe place that is close to you to avoid getting pick-pocketed. Also, don’t flash your money around. Be safe and watchful.
4. Not My First Rodeo!
Take advantage of new attractions at the rodeo. If this isn’t your first rodeo there are a lot of new attractions and foods gracing the stage of the largest livestock show in the nation. For example, as you stroll toward NRG Arena and just before you reach the doors stands a new sweet treat vendor. The Float Saloon is one of the newest vendors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo serving a $7 ice cream float. Take your pick of Coca-Cola, Dreamsicle or even Root Beer floats. If you are seeking a thrill, just a short walk in the carnival’s entrance reveals the Titan. At 17 stories high, it towers over most of the carnival and is the tallest thrill ride in the U.S. Reaching speeds of more than 60 miles per hour, you do not want to miss an opportunity to take spin on this thrilling new ride.
5. Dress Comfortable
This is not the time to wear your brand new cowboys boots or new shoes of any kind. The rodeo covers a massive area. Wear shoes that are comfortable and can go the distance. I also highly suggest wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Between the animals and their droppings, the food and their drippings, and the crowds and their dabbings it could get messy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
6. FUN, FUN, FUN!
Finally, don’t come to the Rodeo looking for something, just be open minded and ready for fun. Thats the true way to take the experience in like a Texan! Enjoy yourself and tag us in your photos using #RodeoHouston and #TeamStyleMag! Eat a Fried Oreo (a #TeamStyleMag fan favorite), put on your cowgirl/cowboy boots, and two-step thru the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!