Calf Scramble

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The line of distinctive red-and white-shirted competitors files into Reliant Stadium in grim determination. One of the wildest, most spirited and extremely heartwarming events at RODEOHOUSTON™ is about to begin!

With the drop of a hat, 14 calves race away from 28 youngsters armed with only a rope halter and a dream. Spectators look on in awe as the group of Texas 4-H and FFA members pursue their dream.

With kids and calves scattered about and darting in every direction across the Reliant Stadium floor, the Calf Scramble becomes one of the most chaotic, unscripted events of RODEOHOUSTON.

As kids and calves collide, true grit must prevail for the scrambler to halter the calf. Once the calf is haltered, it is pulled, pushed, tugged or coaxed into the winners’ square. A sense of pride grows as scramblers, who were not lucky enough to catch a calf, and those who have already entered the winners’ square, join the remaining scramblers in their effort to bring in the calves.

Successfully catching a calf may be surprisingly the easiest part. Each of the students who catch a calf is awarded a $1,250 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer. Raising and showing this heifer becomes a yearlong project as the scrambler sees to the grooming, feeding and care of the animal. The exhibitor returns to the Houston Livestock Show™ the following year for a special competition. Calf Scramble exhibitors also receive a $250 bonus when they return to compete with their heifer.

Joining the scramblers in the competition are the top 20 high-point individuals in both the 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest and the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Contest. These winners also receive $1,250 certificates and take on equivalent yearlong heifer projects.

Supervised by an agricultural science teacher or county extension agent, winners must keep accurate and detailed records of the animal’s progress, submitting records to both the Show and the donor to chronicle the heifer’s development.

Each year, approximately 350 certificates are awarded. Since the Calf Scramble was added to the Show in 1942, $9,853,500.00 has been awarded in certificates and bonuses to 18,242 young Texans.

 

Chuck Wagon Races

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With the sound of a whistle, every heart in Reliant Stadium leaps along with those hard-running ponies! Known for its tight turns at fast speeds, the chuck wagon races are a favorite at RODEOHOUSTON™.

Often called the “mess wagon,” the chuck wagon, so called because it carried the “chuck” — spuds, flour, beans and coffee — was a traveling cafeteria for cowboys on the range in the days of the Old West. Invented by pioneer rancher Charles Goodnight, the chuck wagon was the heart of any outfit. This canvas-topped wagon was more than just a place to eat; it was the locker room, a post office and a social club.

The camp cook was always the first to strike out toward the next stop. When traveling back and forth became boring and tedious, the rugged cowboys decided to race their wagons. The last to arrive was to pay for the first round at the town saloon — perhaps the real reason for organizing this rangeland derby. Traveling was more than just a journey; it was now a competition between the chuck wagon drivers.

Today, these chuck wagons race for entertainment. Unwritten rules require the lead driver to move his team to the outside portion of the track, giving up the inside lane so other teams can catch up. Pulled by specially bred teams of ponies, these lightweight chuck wagons perform in ways the ranch wagon never could.

Now one of the most popular events at the Rodeo, the miniature chuck wagon races feature teams racing up to 30 miles an hour, sometimes on two wheels, around the Reliant Stadium floor while the crowd of thousands cheer on their pick.

 

Contestant Autograph Area

RODEOHOUSTON™ brings superstar rodeo athletes to thousands of fans every night. The Autograph Area began in 2007 and offers an opportunity for fans of all ages to meet the real cowboys and cowgirls who bring this larger-than-life sport to Houston every spring! Ropers, bronc and bull riders and barrel racers all came to take pictures and sign autographs for fans of all ages! Take home a piece of RODEOHOUSTON with a signed back number replica from your favorite all-star athlete!

 

A rodeo ticket is required for entry to Reliant Stadium where the Contestant Autograph Area is located at Section 109 on the Mezzanine Level.

 

 

 

 

Go Texan Salute Nights at the Rodeo

The Area Go Texan and Houston Metro Go Texan committees honor subcommittees each night during the Show with participation in the Grand Entry as well as spotlight recognition for their efforts to raise money for scholarships and generate awareness for the Show in their counties and areas.

 

Grand Entry

Grand Entry is the exciting opening to each and every RodeoHouston performance. When the gate opens and Show officials appear on horseback, the performance has officially begun. From people riding Texas Longhorns and horses, to buggies, carriages, hay wagons and fire trucks, this colorful exhibition of Show officials, dignitaries, sponsors, volunteers and special guests is sight to see.

 

High Flyin' Awards

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In the rough-riding, fast-living world of rodeo, there are moments
when a thrill for the audience is a nightmare for the contestant.
Whether or not they beat the clock or best the stock,
the cowboys and cowgirls have the chance to receive audience
recognition for their efforts with the High Flyin’ Awards.

Rodeo contestants with the highest flight, hardest spills, roughest crashes and toughest luck are chosen from each
performance. Rodeo fans watch the replays and use an applause meter to determine who had the wildest ride and dirtiest
dismount. The High Flyin’ Award winners receive two tickets to
anywhere Continental Airlines flies. The top winners from the
previous 18 performances are shown at the RODEOHOUSTON™
Championship, with the winner receiving a year-long pass
from Continental Airlines. Let’s cheer our high-fliers tonight!

The High Flyin’ Award for 2008 went to Fred Boettcher from Rice Lake, Wis.

 

Indoor Fireworks Display

Rodeo fans will literally be "lit up" by all the action of the indoor fireworks display. The inside of Reliant Stadium becomes colored with sensational fireworks throughout the performances. This spellbinding presentation ensures every spectator gets a bang out of the Show!

 

National Anthem Salute

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Reliant Stadium bursts with patriotic pride at each and every performance as the bombs burst through the air during the breathtaking presentation of the “Star Spangled Banner.” This spectacular lighting and indoor fireworks display highlights the Show’s salute to the United States Flag.

According to the United States Code, when the flag is displayed during the national anthem, all present, except those in military uniform, should stand facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their hats with their right hand and hold the hat at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. People in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note.

 

Rodeo Music

Music always adds an element of excitement and fun to any performance. The range of music played is diverse for every situation, whether it is a bull and rider barreling out of the bucking chute or scramblers chasing down a dream during the calf scramble. Rodeo music — another lasting memory for RODEOHOUSTON fans.

 

 

Video Replays

In case anyone misses the cowboy making a great ride or the cowgirl as she rushes around the first barrel, the slow motion replay assures spectators another look at what just happened in a particular ride or event. Spectators will get a second chance to see why a ride was scored a certain way or to take another look at the intricate moves of a steer wrestler.