If the walls could talk, the stories they’d tell about the legendary Will Rogers Coliseum. Stories about rodeos, the crowning of cutting horse champions, circuses, Golden Gloves boxing, Billy Graham revivals and the list would go on and on.
Preservation of one of Fort Worth’s most significant historical landmarks provides enough reason to renovate the now 90-year-old treasure, but strong demand for its continued use makes a $50.5 million project crucial to the city and region’s economic vitality.
Beginning during the 2025 Stock Show, the endeavor kicked into high gear in February and is projected for substantial completion in late November.
The Will Rogers Coliseum has been, arguably, the scene of more significant events in professional rodeo and western equestrian competitions than any facility in the United States. Beginning with a Texas Centennial rodeo in 1936 and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s move in 1944, other performance horse events followed in the popular building referred to by rodeo and horse show fans simply as “Will Rogers.”
When the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) moved its growing futurity to Will Rogers in the fall of 1962, it’s unlikely anyone knew just how significant the impact on Fort Worth and the surrounding area would be 60 years later. More NCHA competitions followed, including the association’s Super Stakes in March and April and the Summer Spectacular held in July and August.
Other organizations followed, including the American Paint Horse Association’s World Championship Show, the U.S. Team Roping Championships and others. The most significant additions in recent years occurred when the National Reined Cow Horse Association moved the Snaffle Bit Futurity and Celebration of Champions/World’s Greatest Horseman events to Fort Worth from other cities. Between these and other events, the Coliseum’s yearlong calendar is, today, virtually full.
Expanded usefulness and features
Heavy use over nine decades has created the need for some serious TLC. Wear and tear from “foot traffic” in the concourse and bowl and “hoof traffic” in the livestock infrastructure facilities has taken a significant toll.
While maintaining a commitment to keeping the venue’s iconic feel, the project’s plans also call for expanding the concourse by removing outdated structures (rooms and offices), thus creating new sightlines to the arena, which, in turn, improves lighting throughout the building. Long-overdue restroom renovations will be a very welcome improvement for all Coliseum guests.
“This exciting project will transform the facility into a more open environment, giving our guests a greater feel for the excitement on the arena floor while maintaining the Coliseum’s nostalgic feel and look that they’ve always loved,” said Stock Show President and General Manager Matt Carter. “Besides the concourse and restroom improvements, these upgrades will include replacing the major HVAC and electrical systems, adding fire and life safety systems, as well as accessibility accommodations for all guests.”
Rooms adjacent to the Coliseum’s south end are being transformed from warehouse space into features such as meeting rooms, food preparation and dining facilities. These improvements lend the building expanded usefulness to Stock Show and other year-round tenants.
Exterior enhancements
Restoring the exterior’s original look, as well as improving the overall aesthetic, is also a priority.
Guests approaching the Coliseum will gain a refreshed perspective of the Art Deco style by the removal of an obsolete awning (originally installed years after the original construction) that covered the building’s westside doors.
Historically accurate doors with windows on both east and west sides will not only complement the exterior’s classic look, but will allow more natural light into the concourse. The building’s appearance from the east will also be freshened with an entrance to the newly created multipurpose space in the Coliseum’s southeast corner.
Additionally, much care is being taken to bring back the original aluminum ribs that were part of the iconic look of the building when the roof is replaced.
Project completion, public-private partnership, future planning
The longstanding partnership between the City of Fort Worth and the Stock Show is, again, limiting taxpayer exposure while taking advantage of the strengths and efficiencies of both organizations.
The City of Fort Worth will allocate $45.5 million to the project with the Stock Show taking up the remaining $5 million obligation. Moreover, the Stock Show is serving as project manager, working closely with staff from the City’s Public Events Department and the contractor, Sedalco Construction Services.
The renovations are the first of several phases currently being planned for the original 1936 buildings that include the Auditorium and Tower. With a goal of completion by their centennial year, the next decade promises plenty of hope and excitement for our beloved Will Rogers.
