Future Plans
What is the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo?
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to support scholarships and grants for Texas youth. The Rodeo has awarded $279 million in scholarships and grants since its inception including more than $12 million in 2025 alone.
How will the proposed improvements on the Freeman Coliseum grounds be funded?
The Bexar County Commissioners Court has proposed using the existing Hotel and Occupancy Tax (HOT) and rental car tax – collectively known as the County Venue Tax – to fund these improvements. These taxes are paid by visitors to San Antonio, not San Antonio residents. The Rodeo may also generate additional funds from optional charges on animal stalls, tickets, and parking.
Who will pay for the improvements?
This will not be a tax for Bexar County residents. This tax will be on out-of-town visitors via existing hotel and rental car taxes (HOT Tax). Additional funds may come from optional charges on animal stalls, tickets, and parking.
Is this a new tax?
No. The County Venue Tax is an existing tax that was approved by voters in 1999 and 2008. This proposal would only reallocate this existing visitor tax.
Why are improvements being proposed?
To remain competitive with top rodeos in the country, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo seeks to expand programming and host a wider variety of events year-round. This benefits the more than one million local residents who attend the Rodeo each year. Facility upgrades to these community assets also provides opportunities for broader community use for activities like youth sports tournaments, academic competitions, cultural events, concerts and other events enjoyed by the San Antonio community. It allows Rodeo to maximize the value of these public facilities by paying additional rent to Bexar County and generating additional tax revenue.
How does the Rodeo support the community?
For 76 years, we’ve proudly been part of this community, not just as an organization, but as a neighbor and property owner on San Antonio’s East Side. As we plan for the future, we remain dedicated to maintaining and strengthening that relationship and will continue to invest in the community we call home through outreach initiatives and educational programming that supports our mission. The Rodeo has lowered barriers of entry for competitive events, providing more opportunities for area youth by creating contests like Ag Robotics, Speech, Art, and Cooking.
Does the Rodeo support the proposed downtown sports and entertainment district?
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo strongly supports the creation of a vibrant sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio. A thriving downtown will help generate economic activity that benefits the entire community and will provide new entertainment and dining opportunities for San Antonio residents. A new Spurs arena downtown creates a timely opportunity for Rodeo expansion and growth.
How will the East Side community benefit from the proposed improvements?
The Stock Show & Rodeo is committed to expanding programming that will increase the number of people visiting the County-owned facilities throughout most of the year. Additionally, the size of events that are anticipated would not require the type of traffic management needed for large events, which channels drivers directly to nearby interstates. We believe that the additional manageable flow of visitors to the East Side will create conditions for local businesses to benefit.
When will construction begin and end?
Pending voter approval in November 2025, design and planning would begin immediately. Construction is expected to take an estimated 4-5 years with minimal disruption.
Can the public provide feedback?
Absolutely. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will maintain open, transparent communication and community engagement throughout the process. We welcome your input, and you can contact us at info@sarodeo.com.