Rodeo Austin was officially cancelled by city and county officials amid growing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. This comes just days after the cancellation of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Via a press release the Rodeo organizers said they were “heartbroken” to cancel an event that has been a staple since 1938, but that they wanted to “keep the safety and well-being of our community at the forefront.”
The organizers also asked for patience regarding ticket refunds, so they can “develop a refund process.”
With Austin Rodeo attendance topping 250,000 last year, precautions were taken in moving forward with the event. Organizers worked closely with city and county officials to monitor the situation prior to making any modifications. The decision, made by Travis County leaders, prioritizes public health and safety.
The rodeo was set to take place March 14-28, beginning this Saturday. Featuring live music, a fair, and a stock show, the two-week event is an annual Austin staple. Its cancellation, especially in light of SXSW’s cancellation, raises strong economic concern.
On Monday, Austin Public Health announced it was canceling events that draw more than 2,500 people until May 1. Events will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This article appears in March 6 • 2020.