x
Breaking News
More () »

Photos: Garth Brooks kicks off RodeoHouston's opening day

"We're going to sell out the stadium and that has not been done on opening night since George Strait opening the stadium back in 2003," said Rodeo Houston President & CEO Joel Cowley.

HOUSTON -- Garth Brooks kicked off RodeoHouston's 20-day calendar this year.

The Oklahoma native performed where the Texans play, and the superstar told us he jumped at the opportunity.

RodeoHouston announced Tuesday night's paid crowd was 75,018 - putting it in the top 20 rodeo concerts of all time.

“You guys might grow up here and learn about it,” Brooks said. “But I don’t know if you know how cool this place is. This is every singer’s dream to get to play the rodeo, so to get to open and close is quite flattering.”

Photos: Garth Brooks kicks off the 2018 rodeo

Brooks is making a bit of history on a night that’s usually not the rodeo’s best.

Also read: Rodeo officials re-examining procedures after opening night's long lines

“We’re going to sell out the stadium and that has not been done on opening night since George Strait opening the stadium back in 2003,” said Rodeo Houston President & CEO Joel Cowley.

Related: HLSR: Everything you need to know before you rodeo!

Gates opened Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. and hundreds filled the park for their favorite rodeo finds.

“The concerts, the rodeo, the shopping,” said one attendee.

“I’m ready to get in and enjoy myself and kind of be a big kid all over again,” said another.

Whatever your age, the rodeo has something for everyone. And Garth Brooks promises to put on two shows worth remembering.

Also, we asked rodeo officials about security. A new fence surrounds the carnival and extra horse and foot patrols have been added. There are also vapor detecting dogs who can find explosives.

Before You Leave, Check This Out