Mid City Times

A ceremony was held this week to celebrate the completion of the third phase in a four-phase renovation project for eight livestock barns at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. These barns were originally built in 1948.

The event featured speeches from Mayor Mattie Parker and officials from the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR). The ceremony took place in the newly constructed Arena 1, which complements the renovated Sheep and Swine barns near Dickies Arena and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

“With the Stock Show only one month away, we can hardly wait to see the look on the faces of the thousands of 4-H and FFA youth when they bring their animals into these amazing buildings for competition,” said Stock Show General Manager Matt Carter. “This is truly an exciting day not only for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, but the City of Fort Worth and the many organizations that utilize our wonderful facilities throughout the year.”

The renovations have introduced improved lighting, air ventilation, livestock washing facilities, and other amenities to better accommodate thousands of youth participating in FWSSR’s swine, sheep, and goat shows. Arena 1 has increased stalling space by 41% for exhibitors.

Originally designed with a single purpose, all three structures now feature a "flat floor" design allowing them to host various events such as banquets, trade shows, receptions, meetings, luncheons, and horse shows during non-Stock Show months.

The growth of equine organizations leasing WRMC necessitated additional infrastructure. The new facilities can be converted into horse stalls and exercise arenas for tenants like the National Cutting Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association. Starting in 2025, an extra 320 stalls will be available.

“Without having to expand our structural footprint, these organizations now have additional stalling capacity and a new climate-controlled exercise arena for their competitors to enjoy during non-Stock Show months,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “All these projects serve to grow the economic impact of these facilities for the City of Fort Worth, which already exceeds $217 million in direct economic activity.”

The $40 million project was funded equally by FWSSR and the City. Further renovations at WRMC are planned through a public-private partnership between FWSSR and Fort Worth.

“We’re already working on the conceptual design of Phase Four, which will provide important upgrades to Cattle Barns 3 and 4,” said Stock Show Chairman Philip Williamson. “To date, the Stock Show and the City of Fort Worth have committed $69.24 million in improvements to these important facilities in Phases I through III. This vision has taken time and required patience, but the results are nothing short of amazing. Our decades-long public-private partnership is a shining example of what’s possible when government and private sector come together in a common purpose.”

The upcoming Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will take place from January 17 to February 8, 2025. It is expected to draw over 13,000 youth competitors from Texas vying for scholarships and auction receipts totaling more than $7 million along with over 1.2 million visitors globally.