HLSR Facts & Figures

More than 2.5 million Houstonians attended the 2024 rodeo — plus other facts & figures

The cows have gone home, and the star-shaped stage has been put in storage. RodeoHouston has drawn to a close.

While the last bit of dirt is being swept from the floor of NRG Stadium, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo organizers released some facts and figures from this year’s show. By any measure, 2024 ranks as a highly successful endeavor.

Attendance

More than 2.5 million people attended the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. That included a record-breaking 234,456 people during the three-day barbecue contest. That's the highest total since 2017.

More than 1.3 million people attended the nightly rodeo contests and concerts. Los Tigres del Norte set a new attendance record that lasted exactly five days until the Jonas Brothers broke it by drawing 75,600. Both Bun B’s All-American Takeover and Nickelback also drew more than 75,000 people, and rising star Lainey Wilson came within 60 tickets of hitting the mark.

Livestock Show, Auctions, and Scholarships

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show &. Rodeo

More than 2.5 million people attended the rodeo.

This year’s auction sales totaled almost $26.2 million, including $4.1 million for barrow (pigs), $4.1 million for lamb and goat, and $10.1 million for steers.

The Grand Champion steer sold for $1 million, tying a record set in 2022. Other new auction records included the Grand Champion goat ($305,000) and Grand Champion lamb ($500,000).

The Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction drew over $2,8 million, including record-setting bids for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion of $335,000 and $225,000, respectively.

All that money allowed the rodeo to pledge more than $27.3 million in scholarships. That includes over $14.6 million that will be awarded to students beginning college this fall, $9.5 million to junior show exhibitors, and $2.6 million in educational program grants.

Other items of note

Attendees bought more than 303,000 pieces of merchandise.

More than 35,000 volunteers participate in the 110 committees who execute the event.

Approximately 490,000 carnival prizes were awarded.

The top five food items sold include all of the usual favorites — turkey legs, jumbo corn dogs, michelagua, deep-fried Oreos, and funnel cake.

rodeohouston rodeo

This Week's Hot Headlines

Killen to close Michelin-rated Houston restaurant and more top stories

Courtesy of Killen's Restaurants

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Editor's note: It's time to catch up on the top Houston stories of the week, from a major closure announcement to big news for Texas hockey fans. Read on for our most popular headlines, then find the best weekend events here.

1. Ronnie Killen sets closing date for his Michelin-rated comfort food eatery. Since the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Texas, it has been rare for any included restaurant to close, but Killen’s, chef Ronnie Killen’s Southern restaurant that holds a Bib Gourmand designation, will serve its final meal in July.

2. Shuttered Houston restaurant revived for 1 night only at Canada Day pop-up. Favorite dishes from Riel will return at Chardon this Sunday, June 28 for an event called “Booze Can Sunday.”

3. NHL taps Houston billionaire to launch new Texas hockey franchise. The NHL has committed to adding a team in the Lone Star State, according to multiple media reports, and as part of those plans has reached an agreement with Pursuit Sports, an arm of the Houston-based Friedkin family.

4. Cherished Houston Indo-Pak restaurant opens to-go only location in Katy. Aga’s Restaurant & Catering, the cherished Indo-Pak restaurant that’s a staple of Houston’s South Asian community, opened its first new location in 25 years.

Aga's to go Katy exterior Aga's To Go opened Wednesday, June 24. Courtesy of Aga's

5. Swedish furniture giant IKEA sets opening date for new Houston store. Swedish furniture giant IKEA's second full-service Houston-area store is now open in Webster.